As new parents, Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall found themselves immersed in an uncanny world of children's entertainment. The impossible chirpiness of the singers made them wonder: what struggles lurk behind those bright eyes? Those musings have inspired their new musical comedy Bananaland.

Also, Stephen Schwartz thought that he had left Broadway behind when he chanced to encounter a novel called Wicked. The composer-lyricist behind Godspell and Pippin had recently won three Academy Awards for his screen work, but the prospect of adapting Wicked drew him back to the stage. Now, Wicked is back.