LYRICIST | PLAYWRIGHT
LYRICIST
I attended The High School of Music and Art in New York City and discovered I had an ear for music and talent for lyric writing.
“NO ONE’S EVER GONNA LOVE YOU”
Some years after, I met piano player and composer, Frank “Sonny” Coppola and we began writing songs together. Our first venture was recorded by country singer, Janie Fricke.
“THIS IS LOVE”
Later I went on to work with Composer/Artist Robert Tepper. He and I received an ASCAP award for a song recorded by multiple artists including Paul Anka.
SESame street
Composer Stephen Lawrence, already established at Children’s Television Workshop, invited me to collaborate with him on songs for Sesame Street. It was my joy to do so and an honor to have the Muppets sing them. Here are two of my favorites:
“Pearl White Teeth”
“Windy Day”
THEME SONGS
While working on the Pilots of Webster and, later, People Next Door, I wrote lyrics for the theme songs that became associated with the shows.
The vocal on The People Next Door was sung by one of my favorites, Malcolm John Rebenneck Jr. aka Dr. John.
“THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR”
Theme song for television show The People Next Door.
Lyrics by Madeline Sunshine
Music by Bill Maxwell and Don Pardini | Performed by Dr. John
“THEN CAME YOU”
Theme song for the award-winning television show Webster.
Lyrics by Madeline Sunshine | Music by Steve Nelson
PLAYWRIGHT & LYRICIST
The first Broadway show I ever saw was “My Fair Lady” starring Julie Andrews whom, years later, I had an opportunity to work with. From the overture on, Musical Theatre became my first love ... and I’m still loving it.
SERRANO OF MULBERRY STREET
“Serrano of Mulberry Street” was my first musical. It’s a comic take on Cyrano D’Bergerac set in the mob in New York’s Little Italy. It was a joy to write and rewrite with help of television, film and theatre Director, Joel Zwick. Robert Tepper composed the music. We had a 13 week run in Los Angeles and a Workshop in New York. The actors were smashing, as was our musical director, Jeff Rizzo and our choreographer, Peggy Hickey. Here are a few songs from, “Serrano.”
REVIEWS
“WOW! SENSATIONAL! Simply put, it’s the all-around best World Premiere musical I’ve seen debut on an L.A. intimate theater stage in years! SERRANO THE MUSICAL hits a musical comedy bull’s eye!”
“BOISTEROUSLY ENTERTAINING! Crackerjack Direction, Dazzling Choreography, Bravura Performances, Stunning Costumes... the polished professionalism on display will ensure you have a fabulous evening of theatre!”
“SERRANO THE MUSICAL is a Laugh Out Loud, Music To Your Ears, Bulls-Eye Hit!!! A non-stop, jaw-dropping two-hour-plus of entertainment! Joel Zwick ably directs his talented, triple-threat case in a fast, steady flow of Madeline Sunshine’s very witty script and lyrics”
IN DEVELOPMENT
I HATE HOLMES
“I Hate Holmes,” is a new musical for which I’ve written book and lyrics. It imagines that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, tired of writing his famous detective, decides to kill him off in a final mystery. Holmes comes to life along with 221B Baker Street and fights for his literary life. The music is composed by Adam Gorgoni. It’s in development with director, Joel Zwick. Here are a few of the songs. Enjoy!
MY OLD NEIGHBORHOOD
Also in development, “My Old Neighborhood” a two act comedy about growing up in a happily neurotic family in the Bronx. It’s based on the memories of my husband and I who both grew up in the Bronx, separated by just a few miles. The few songs are original, written by me and Robert Tepper.
PLAYMAKERS REPERTORY COMPANY
I especially enjoyed writing for actors at Playmakers Repertory Company and the members of the graduate acting program at UNC. Please enjoy their work here.
