Ben Larson's "How to Play the Cello (Until You Don't)" Selected for Theater Latte Da NEXT Festival
Congratulations to NMTE member Benjamin Emory Larson, whose musical How to Play the Cello (Until You Don’t) has been selected for Theater Latte Da’s prestigious NEXT Festival in August 2025.
The musical tells the story of Jacqueline du Pré, the renowned English cellist whose brilliant career was cut short by multiple sclerosis. Larson’s work explores themes of artistic passion, physical limitation, and the relationship between musician and instrument. Ben developed How to Play the Cello over months of NMTE workshops, sharing the work with fellow members who provided feedback throughout the creative process.
How to Play the Cello will feature Larson in the lead role of Daniel Barenboim, alongside Hannah Elless as du Pré, Tyler Michaels King as Christopher Finzi, and Dieter Bierbrauer as William Pleeth. The production team includes director Peter Rothstein and music director Denise Prosek.
Theater Latte Da’s NEXT Festival showcases new musicals in development, providing composers and writers with professional development opportunities and audience feedback. Larson’s selection demonstrates the caliber of work being created by NMTE members.
The musical has garnered strong audience response, with one attendee noting: “Moving and devastating. Hannah Elless was phenomenal as du Pré. Ben Larson’s music was beautiful.”
NMTE is proud to support members like Ben as they develop and present original musical theater work in professional venues throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding region.