was written in the silence of the 2020 lockdown, when New York’s streets fell eerily still — but its people found new ways to stay alive, connected, and hopeful. Introducing 14 original songs and a fresh powerful script, the show follows 9 neighbors in one NYC apartment building as they navigate fear, loss, love, and resilience living through the early days of lockdown in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Songs like Money Gettin’ Funny, Trapped & Alone, and Zoom School express both humor and heartbreak in equal measure.

We are New Yorkers who lived through those early days, writing songs and scenes in real time to capture the voices of our city when it mattered most. We believe theatre can transform isolation into solidarity. Why now? Because memory fades quickly, but art keeps truth alive — this is the moment to preserve the resilience of diverse communities who endured together, apart. Without this project, a vital chapter of our shared history risks being lost. Our message of endurance through community is especially relevant now when our sense of connection seems be fraying under new social challenges. Click here for a chat between the two creators, Benjamin Hey! and Derek Denckla, about how the show came about and what it means to them... and you!

The story begins in April 2020, in a Midtown Manhattan high-rise apartment building, just two weeks into the COVID-19 shutdown. Hospitals are overwhelmed, unemployment benefits remain uncertain, and each character grapples with job, relationship, and financial insecurity. Through dialogue and song, the unfolding narrative reveals the dramatic changes in their lives, as isolation tests their resilience and forces new ways of coping. The action concludes a year later, in March 2021, at a building-wide party. As vaccines begin to roll out and life slowly becomes more recognizable, all of the characters gather together for the first time, embodying the fragile hope of reconnection after a year apart. Click here for this little teaser music video featuring creator Benajmin Hey! playing the three main roles of Cap'n, Millie, and Anthony singing the title track, "Corona Crazy."

The Cap'n – Archetype: The Explorer (Seeker)

Singer-Songwriter. Smooth surface, but underneath— a child seeking freedom through art. Drinks hard cider.

Millie – Archetype: The Caregiver (Nurturer)

ER Nurse and single mother.  Funny, loyal, sincere— embodies loving sacrifice and community connections. She's the "glue" of the building relationships.  Drinks frozen margaritas.

Anthony – Archetype: The Innocent (Dreamer/Idealist)

Broadway Actor. Idealistic, trusting, & bruised by racial alienation — represents purity of vision. Drinks Tequila + soda + lime twist.

Vanessa – Archetype: The Rebel (Outlaw)

Event Promoter. Outspoken, bold, & unapologetic — challenges body, beauty, & behavior norms. Drinks Sidecars.

Jerome – Archetype: The Sage (Intellectual/Teacher)

Literature Professor.  Immigrant, seeker of perspective — bridging cultures. Drinks Bordeaux.

Zac – Archetype: The Ruler (Leader)

Architect. Disciplined, aesthetic, and tightly wound— valuing order, control, and mastery.  Drinks natural wine.

Jillian – Archetype: The Lover (Playful/Connector)

Fashion Blogger. Playful, seductive, loyal, generous—  values intimacy, beauty, and friendship.
Purpose: To provide an emotional anchor and a source of playful warmth. Drinks Chardonnay with 1 ice cube.

Karen – Archetype: The Jester (Harsh Critic / Judge)

News Anchor. Rigid, bitter, and judgmental — a true "Karen"!  Drinks pumpkin spice latte, of course.

George – Archetype: The Everyman (Regular Guy/Survivor)

Bond Trader. Flawed, ordinary, caught between desire and duty— not heroic, but human. Drinks single malt scotch.

We’ve completed the full script and score, and now we’re ready to bring Corona Crazy to the stage. This campaign will fund actors, production crews, and other essentials needed to rehearse and to produce our first public staging of the musical at the New York Theater Festival in early 2026. Your contributions will ensure we can hire performers and crew whose characters reflect the diversity of the city that inspired this work. When you support us, you’re not just backing a musical — you’re joining our creative team.

Supporters will receive exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes footage, shout outs on social media, and even opportunities to share feedback that helps shape the future of the show. Think of this as a living memorial that you help build with us — one song at a time. Help us turn the silence of isolation into a song of lasting solidarity.

Pledge, follow, and share. Every contribution — no matter the size — helps turn the silence of isolation into a song of connection. Copy and paste this text and help spread the word in your social media accounts:

"Join me in supporting Corona Crazy: The Musical — a new show honoring the resilience of New Yorkers during the early stages of the COVID pandemic lockdown. Help us bring this story to the stage to remind of us what unknowns we faced then and how we got through those challenges together." And, please follow us, like our posts, and say, "Hi!" on our social media accounts:
Instagram: @coronacrazythemusical.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61584025314574