Lively McCabe Entertainment and Music Theatre International have announced holiday jukebox musical What A Wonderful World has been added to the MTI catalogue, with Florida's Titusville Playhouse set to produce the show in late 2024. Information about licensing will be available in the coming months. 

The musical features a book by Jeremy Desmon (Pump Up The Volume), and arrangements and orchestrations by Jesse Vargas (For The Record Live, Invincible - The Musical). Titusville Executive and Artistic Director Steven J. Heron will direct the company's production, with Spencer Crosswell serving as music director. The work was developed in collaboration with BMG and Primary Wave Music.

Set in mid-century New York City (and the North Pole), What A Wonderful World follows Santa and Mrs. Claus as they try to retire, but they must pass the baton to the new Santa. When the magic sleigh bells choose a young New York advertising executive for the position, he declines the offer, putting the North Pole (and the fate of Christmas) in jeopardy.

The musical premiered in December 2021 at Timberlake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, with Paul Stancato directing. The score includes hit Christmas songs such as “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” as well as pop songs from artists including Kelly Clarkson, Imagine Dragons, Rascal Flatts, and more.

“We’re excited to expand our existing relationship with the entire team at MTI with what we hope and expect will become a new standard Holiday show for theaters around the country,” Michael Barra, CEO of Lively McCabe Entertainment, said in a statement. “We’re grateful to all of the music publishers and songwriters who’ve contributed songs to the show, and especially to our frequent collaborators at Primary Wave and BMG.”

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