Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC), located in downtown Fairfield, hosted an exclusive master class with award-winning Broadway composer and lyricist David Friedman, featuring two Fairfield University students.
Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC) recently hosted an exclusive master class with award-winning Broadway composer, lyricist, and music director David Friedman, providing Fairfield University students a unique opportunity to connect with the professional world of theatre and music. Moderated by FTC Artistic Director Maureen Hamill, the class featured live performances and evaluations as well as an in-depth conversation with Friedman about his career and creative process.
Friedman is known for his work on classic Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin as well as Broadway and Off-Broadway productions such as Desperate Measures. He shared valuable insights on musical storytelling and collaborating with artists. The event was coordinated by FTC spring marketing intern Angelo Corsini ‘25, a Fairfield University communication and theatre major. Corsini helped connect two of his peers with this once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.
“Maureen asked if I knew any strong singers and actors for her FTC master classes, and I immediately thought of my friends Kylee [Faulkner] and Zach [Cirillo],” Corsini said. “I’m thrilled they had the chance to work with David Friedman, and I couldn’t be happier with my time at FTC. It’s been a great experience with wonderful people!”
The session offered students the opportunity to perform for an industry legend while engaging in meaningful conversations with Friedman about the emotional and technical aspects of musical composition. During the event, Friedman reflected on his extensive career, including collaborations with icons like Angela Lansbury and Robin Williams, offering the students and audience an glimpse into the world of professional musical theatre.
Kylee Faulkner ‘26, a Glee Club member majoring in English and theatre, was the first to take the stage, performing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables. After her performance, Friedman emphasized the importance of connecting deeply with the song’s emotional context. “Know your circumstance, and don’t decide how it’s going to come out,” he advised. Several song performances later, Friedman praised Faulkner's emotional depth. “When you just stood there," he told her, "you literally started to feel as fragile as Fantine because you knew what you were talking about.”
Next, Zach Cirillo ‘27, a finance major and member of the Glee Club and the all-male, a capella Bensonians singing group, performed "Good Kid" from The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. After his initial performance, Friedman coached Cirillo to engage more with the emotional core of the song, telling him, “You have to want something from her, and she’s not there.” After a couple of takes, Cirillo connected to the raw emotions of the song. “These pieces are very heightened circumstances," Friedman said. "That was terrific.”
The FTC master class with the Broadway icon gave students an unparalleled opportunity to experience the creative process behind musical theatre at the highest level. “I really enjoyed learning from Mr. Friedman, and I love that I can still pursue music outside school,” said Cirillo.
“David's coaching was so encouraging and fun," agreed Faulkner. "I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
For more information about future events in the FTC Master Class series, visit: Fairfield Theater Co.
