Nathan Tysen, Susan Soon He Stanton Join Chimney Town Musical Writing Team

Tysen will write lyrics to the music of Jekyll & Hyde composer Frank Wildhorn.

March 10, 2026 By Logan Culwell-Block

The in-development stage musical of Akihiro Nishino's Poupelle of Chimney Town has added lyricist Nathan Tysen (The Great Gatsby) and book writer Susan Soon He Stanton (Today Is My Birthday) to its writing team, joining previously announced composer Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, Bonnie and Clyde). The project is currently working towards a full-scale production, to be announced.

The work is set in the grimy Chimney Town, whose sky is so covered by smoke that no one looks up—except for Lubicchi, a young boy who yearns to see the stars from his father's stories. After a chance encounter with a garbage monster named Poupelle, the duo goes on an epic adventure.

The project—being led by producers Megan Ann Rasmussen, Ko Mori, and Nishino—has been in development since at least 2024, when private industry readings were held in New York City. The musical is now proceeding forward with an entirely new creative team than was attached for the earlier readings.

"As fans of Susan’s and Nathan’s work for years, we’re thrilled that they’re joining this amazing project," say Rasmussen and Mori in a joint statement. "With this group of creative minds working together, Chimney Town is on its way to incredible new heights.”

“Susan and Nathan’s arrival in this journey has been one of the greatest pieces of fortune bestowed upon the story of Chimney Town," adds Nishino. "The words they give to the characters, the emotions that quietly touch the deepest corners of the heart, and the unfolding of the story—almost like the breathing of the narrative itself—have carried this tale to horizons my own imagination alone could never have reached. With calm yet unmistakable strength, they have helped guide the story there. They remind me that a story, at times, must leave the hands of its author and set sail on a voyage called a team.

"No matter how quickly the world changes, one principle remains constant: a project, like a ship, can never travel farther than the strength of the crew aboard it. That is why I feel such profound pride—and deep gratitude—to be standing shoulder to shoulder with such extraordinary collaborators as we look toward the future of this work together."

Ken Davenport is serving as an executive consultant on the musical, with DR Theatrical Management working as general manager.

Visit ChimneyTownMusical.com.