January 27, 2025

MSM Spotlight: Daniel Rubinson talks about MSM Musical Theatre’s production Freshman Pops (JAN 31 to FEB 2) and life as a student at MSM

Freshman Pops is an exciting production taking place for four performances only from January 31 to February 2 that marks the MSM stage debut for its Musical Theatre program freshmen.

Daniel Rubinson is one of the students featured in the production, and he tells us here about this much anticipated debut, his time at MSM so far, and why he chose to study at MSM!

The annual production Freshman Pops consists of a series of performances by group and solo performers that showcases each participant’s strengths, providing them a platform for self expression. The production is a collaborative process between the students and the creative team, resulting in a unique experience for audiences each year.

MEET DANIEL RUBINSON (BM ’28)

Daniel Rubinson studies under the tutelage of Bob Stillman at MSM, and is originally from Islip, New York, a short train ride from the city on the Long Island Railroad. Aside from his MSM debut in Freshman Pops, Daniel has also performed with the Musical Theatre Lab Series, where he workshopped musicals Poetry & Prose (Osip Mandelstam) and Mudville (Umpire Clyde). Other favorite stage credits include Parade (Leo Frank), Big Fish (Edward Bloom), and The Wedding Singer (Robbie Hart). This spring, Daniel will perform in the annual dance show of Alpha Psi Omega, the MSM musical theatre honor society. Outside of theatre, Daniel plays the violin and piano and likes to compose music. He also enjoys reading, writing, fitness, and exploring New York City with his friends!

ATTEND FRESHMEN POPS

JAN 31 | FRI
7:30 PM

FEB 1 | SAT
7:30 PM

FEB 2 | SUN
2 PM & 7:30 PM

MSM MUSICAL THEATRE

Freshman Pops

Abbs Lyman (BM ’24), Director
Shane Schag (PS ’02), Music Director

Tickets Required
$15 adults, $10 non-MSM students and seniors

Miller Recital Hall

Tell us about Freshman Pops

Daniel: Freshman Pops is a cabaret-style showcase that every freshman Musical Theatre major participates in. It is such an incredible opportunity for our first stage performance because it gives every student an equal chance to perform and show the school who we are. Every song performed in our showcase was chosen by us students! Our fearless director, Abbs Lyman, and our extraordinary music director, Shane Schag, have crafted a show that is entirely unique to the class of 2028.

Why should people come and see this show?

Daniel: Even if you have watched a previous Freshman Pops, no two showcases are alike! Each group of students brings something new and different to the MSM Musical Theatre program, and it really shines through in this showcase. Also, keep in mind that Freshman Pops is the only opportunity you have to watch the class of 2028 perform as one group until our senior showcase.

Freshmen Pops rehearsal in Bossi-Comelli Studio

Can you talk about the number you’re performing in?

Daniel: I am so excited to talk about this! I am performing in an arrangement of a piece created by me and two of my close friends, Carter Elliff and Will Lawson. The three of us arranged a trio to the music of Alan Menken that includes the songs “Go the Distance” from Disney’s Hercules, “Out There” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and “Somewhere That’s Green” from Little Shop of Horrors. The arrangement tells the story of three characters who are on a journey to build the lives of their dreams through courage, bravery, love, and perseverance. To me, this message rings true to who we are as people, studying at one of the top music conservatories in the world, working hard at our craft because we love it so much. It is such a special piece and I am honored to share the stage with these boys who inspire me and make me a better person everyday.

How has freshman year been so far?

Daniel: Freshman year has been nothing short of a thrill! I have dreamed of coming to this school for many years and the education at MSM is unmatched. I have the privilege to go to class and learn from musical theatre legends who are people that I look up to as role models. I feel so lucky that I get to study in the greatest city in the world with endless possibilities.

I have dreamed of coming to this school for many years and the education at MSM is unmatched. I have the privilege to go to class and learn from musical theatre legends who are people that I look up to as role models.

Why did you decide to study at MSM?

Daniel: Manhattan School of Music is truly a special place and I am so proud to say that I attend this school. What does it for me is the location. In my opinion, what better a place to study musical theatre than in the heart of Broadway. Because we are located in New York City, our professors are Broadway veterans who provide us with all of the tools we need to succeed in our business. How cool is it that I get to study with some of the most well-known names in this industry, like David Loud and Mana Allen? I’m living the dream life! Also, auditions happen right in Midtown, so it’s great to be close to that! Another perk of our location is the oportunity to work with Broadway writers and directors through our MT Lab Series since everyone is just a subway ride away! Lastly, I love taking advantage of the Broadway rush tickets so I can see as many performances as I can becuase I learn so much just from watching. I truly could not imagine myself anywhere else!

Describe Freshman Pops for us in three words:

Daniel: Larger Than Life!

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