LAFPI

The world premiere of ONE UP: THE MUSICAL, a high-energy original musical set in the neon glow of the 1980s tech boom, is landing at the Hollywood Fringe Festival this June! One Up is a heartfelt celebration of ambition, friendship, and what it takes to make it on the digital frontier.

Bryson, a bright but untested intern at Classic Games, is an aspiring video game programmer who’s ready to level up. After sneaking her original game into the company’s Testing Day, the company’s CEO Greg begrudgingly agrees to let her develop it further under the supervision of Carol, his secretary and the one who keeps the wheels turning behind-the-scenes. As Bryson’s career begins to take off, she risks losing sight of what matters most: the community that inspired her and the friends who believed in her from the start.

The book was written by Mary Bonney and Weslie Lechner and music and lyrics were written by Matt Dahan, creator of Pulp Musicals and music director of acclaimed theater company Team Starkid. Hannah Globus, award-winning writer of The Relentless Award’s Picket Plays, joins as the show’s director.

In a groundbreaking move that honors the real legacy of women in gaming, the production welcomes Dona Bailey, co-creator of the iconic 1981 arcade game Centipede, as Creative Consultant. Her insight into the era and her trailblazing career inspired Bryson’s journey and the world of One Up.

“We wanted to tell a story that celebrated creativity, community and ambition while highlighting the often-overlooked women who helped shape the early gaming industry,” says Mary Bonney, creator of One Up. “It’s a love letter to console games from the view of their pioneering programmers and their passion that powered up generations to come.”

Don’t miss your chance to press start on the feel-good eighties musical of the summer!