Louise Richardson

Hollywood Melody of 1933 is a musical comedy that shines a light on the untold stories of Hollywood’s golden age. Inspired by classic films from the 1930s, I found myself drawn to the supporting characters—those who often stood in the background, their stories left unexplored. As I watched more films from that era, I became increasingly aware of the overt and subtle forms of racism that shaped both the industry and the lives of those who worked within it. This concern has always been close to my heart, and it led me to imagine what life was like for those who faced prejudice every day. One character in particular took over the narrative: a Black man who appeared in stereotypical roles in silent films and early talkies. Through his journey, the musical explores how people navigated the challenges of their time, both on and off the screen. Alongside him, a lively cast of characters brings 1930s Hollywood to life: a divorcee playwright whose producer ex-husband has stolen her screenplay, her African-American housekeeper who is more like a personal assistant and becomes the love interest of an aging actor, two Broadway performers fleeing to Hollywood after a run-in with a cartoonish gangster and his henchmen, and identical twin “dumb blonde” actresses caught between the actors, the producer, and the mobster. With so much happening on and off stage, the show is filled with humor, heart, and a touch of suspense. By bringing these overlooked voices to the forefront, Hollywood Melody of 1933 aims to entertain, educate, and spark important conversations about representation and resilience. We’re raising funds to bring this vision to life. Your support will help us cover music production, social media outreach, and pay talented actors, singers, and musicians to record an audio version of the play. By joining us, you’ll be on the ground floor of a new musical that could one day reach regional theaters—or even Broadway. Supporters will be like producers, invited to attend productions wherever they are presented. Thank you for helping us give these stories the stage they deserve!