David Cumming is a composer and musician working across theatre, film, and contemporary concert music. His collaborative work with Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoƫ Roberts on Operation Mincemeat demonstrates his ability to craft music that serves dramatic storytelling while remaining singable and performable by skilled amateurs and professionals alike.
Why we love this
Act As If captures the strategic wit and mounting tension of its source material through music that feels both conversational and propulsive. The piano writing gives singers room to shape the lyrical line while the accompaniment drives the narrative forward, making this a rewarding choice for performers who thrive on character work and musical storytelling.
What to expect
Clever and slightly conspiratorial, as though sharing an inside joke with the audience. The music balances lighthearted charm with an undercurrent of calculated intention, inviting the performer to inhabit a character who is thinking quickly and choosing their words with care.
Who it's for
Solo singers preparing audition or performance material from contemporary musical theatre; vocal students studying how character-driven songwriting functions in modern Broadway writing; ensembles programming concert selections that showcase strong vocalists in relatively brief, impactful pieces.
How to get the most out of it
Treat the dialogue and lyrics as closely linked; the phrasing should feel natural rather than operatic, allowing the words to land with their full comedic or dramatic weight.
Balance the vocal line against the piano accompaniment so listeners hear both the melodic intention and the harmonic or rhythmic complexity supporting it.
Pay attention to any tempo shifts or changes in accompaniment texture as signals for emotional or dramatic shifts in the character's objectives.
How to use it
Include this in a concert exploring contemporary musical theatre songwriting, or program it as a solo feature that highlights a vocalist's interpretive range and ability to sustain character over a shorter timeframe. It works well alongside other character songs from recent Broadway scores.
Skills your students will build
Sustaining character voice and intention through a conversational melodic line
Balancing vocal projection with intimate lyrical delivery
Coordinating with piano accompaniment that may include rhythmic or textural complexity
Interpreting contemporary theatre music style and diction
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