What happens when the Cowardly
Lion skips his curtain call?

In Always the Lion, a small-town theater troupe’s production of The Wizard of Oz descends into chaos when Louie, their beloved yet mysterious Cowardly Lion, vanishes just before his final bow. What begins as backstage panic quickly spirals into a full-blown, absurd murder investigation led by an overzealous federal agent convinced Louie isn’t just playing a lion—he actually is one.

As suspicion and secrets bubble to the surface, the cast is forced to confront their own egos, ambitions, and insecurities while trying to keep the show alive. From the overlooked stage manager who dreams of recognition to the leading man whose jealousy becomes dangerous, each character wrestles with what it means to belong—and what it costs to be seen.

At its heart, Always the Lion is a darkly comedic exploration of identity, acceptance, and the ridiculous ways we police what’s considered “unnatural.” With a vibrant, propulsive score and sharp humor, this musical peels back the curtain on the messy humanity hiding behind the greasepaint, questioning who gets to take center stage—and who gets left in the wings.

Why This Show? Why Now?

In a world where fear and judgment of the “other” still drive division, Always the Lion invites audiences to laugh at the absurdity of these fears while reflecting on their roots. It’s a story about the courage it takes to live authentically, the cost of hiding, and the power of community—even in its most chaotic form.

What to Expect

  • A murder mystery wrapped in musical comedy
  • Sharp, character-driven humor and ensemble chaos
  • Heartfelt moments exploring identity and belonging
  • A fresh take on theater’s “show must go on” spirit

What's Going On?

Always the Lion is currently in development, with new songs and scenes taking shape as the project heads toward workshop ready. If you'd like more info about this show, fill out the form below!

Listen to demo tracks and follow the journey as we develop this new musical.