Duncan Sheik's Final Musical 'Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen' Opens Days After His Death

Duncan Sheik died at 56 just seven days before his musical 'Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen' began performances at the former McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea, now called the Night Egg. The show, based on Moyoco Anno's manga about a Parisian sex worker who becomes an artist, features a book by Leah Nanako Winkler and music supervision by Or Matias. Winkler, a playwright known for 'Kentucky' and 'God Said This', was hired in 2020 to write her first musical. She and Matias collaborated closely with Sheik, who had fallen ill over the summer and passed away shortly before previews. Despite his absence, Matias has assembled the score from Sheik's existing material, even incorporating his backing vocals and guitar tracks. Winkler continues to refine the book, noting Sheik's final advice: 'Musicals are never finished, Leah. They just close.' The production team includes dramaturg Anna O'Donohue, guitarist Ben Butler, music director Amanda Morton, and actress Sophia Anne Caruso. Matias will also musical-direct a revival of 'Spring Awakening' this winter.