Rob Lowe Returns to Los Angeles for New Independent Film ‘The Musical’
Actor Rob Lowe is making his return to Los Angeles filming scene with the new independent dark comedy “The Musical,” starring alongside Gillian Jacobs and Tony Award winner Will Brill. The production marks a significant return to LA for Lowe, who previously voiced concerns about the city’s filming challenges.
Star-Studded Cast Takes on Dark Comedy
The film follows a frustrated playwright and middle school theater teacher (Brill) who discovers his ex-girlfriend (Jacobs) is dating the school principal (Lowe). In response, he schemes to sabotage the principal’s chances of winning academic excellence by producing an intentionally inappropriate musical. The story weaves together themes of love, jealousy, ambition, and pretension.
Production Details and Creative Team
Director Giselle Bonilla and writer Alexander Heller, both American Film Institute alumni, are helming the project, which evolved from their previous short film of the same name. The production team includes:
- Producers: Rob Lowe, Alexander Heller, Greg Lauritano, Jordan Backhus, and Findlay Brown
- Executive Producers: Jonathan Levine, Gillian Bohrer, Chris Quintos Cathcart, Tyler Boehm, and Vince Jolivette
- Co-Producer: David Duque-Estrada
- Casting Director: Jamie Ember
LA Production Renaissance and Tax Incentives
The production benefits from California’s tax incentives program, which aims to attract more independent features to Los Angeles. Producer Greg Lauritano expressed enthusiasm about filming in LA, particularly following the January wildfires, noting the local crew’s passion and the importance of the tax credit program in offsetting production costs.
Star Power and Recent Projects
Rob Lowe, currently hosting Fox’s successful game show “The Floor,” has been vocal about bringing production back to Los Angeles. His recent work includes roles in “9-1-1: Lone Star” and Netflix’s “Unstable” alongside his son, John Owen Lowe.
Gillian Jacobs brings her talent from successful shows like “The Bear,” “Invincible,” and “Community,” while Will Brill joins fresh from his Tony Award-winning performance in “Stereophonic” and acclaimed role in Showtime’s “Fellow Travelers.”
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
This production represents a positive step toward revitalizing Los Angeles’s film industry, combining established talent with emerging creators while taking advantage of new state incentives to keep production local. WME Independent is handling sales for the project, which is currently filming in Los Angeles.