A musical story about songwriting & the human spirit. Denise Marsa’s development as a musician, artist, and individual are told in this original music project featuring anecdotes and vignettes recounted against a background of her original compositions.

Promo videos

Reviews

“Denise Marsa is one of a kind. She’s a force of nature, a life-affirming singer, an overwhelmingly positive presence. The songs are the real soul of the show, although tunes are at times reminiscent of Disney movies and the lyrics sound like simplified versions of Rent’s. The storytelling is simple, but effective. Songs simply flow out of Marsa’s life, as much as her life can be traced back and pinned down in songs – they are one and the same thing. One just feels sorry not to know the lyrics, as the temptation to sing along is quite strong.” – A Younger Theatre, Anna Zanetti

“A nuanced and fascinating show. It all fits like a glove. The songs featured in the show are all Marsa’s, and they are more evocative than provocative. The evening proved educational as well as inspirational for this reviewer.” – Chris Omaweng, London Theatre 1

“a raw biographical performance comprised of life-defining moments, humour, heartbreak, and self-discovery accompanied by beautiful music…” – Ping, Lesflicks, VOD

About the show

United Solo Festival 2021 Award Winner Best Concert: “The Pass Musical” by Denise Marsa

Travel with Denise as she starts her career towards the end of the 70s through the highly volatile and emotional 80’s continuing on through the start of the tech-driven 90s into the 21st century. From her start in her West Village studio apartment dating from 1810 to London to West Hollywood and back again, Denise shares her stories.

Meet Denise the explorer, innovator, a woman drenched in tenacity; unwilling to play the game by anyone else’s rules but her own. Experience some of the key situations that have shaped her as an artist, woman, and entrepreneur and hear the songs that have been created in the process. From pop star, to record label owner, artist manager, producer, lover, and partner, to publicist and marketer, her life and music are expressed through laughter, joy, disappointment, passion, and power.

In defying the stereotypes of the often sexist, ageist, and not to mention the often times ruthless, music industry, Denise has proven that a true voice will triumph. She hopes to inspire the audience to always be true to their own voices and to have the courage to sing out loud. It all started with Denise sneaking into the New York University Department of Music and Music Education practice rooms.