The (Disaster) Marathon of 1904
The (Disaster) Marathon of 1904 is a high-energy, campy new musical inspired by the most absurd Olympic event in history. Framed by the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides pleading his case before the gods, the show hurtles into the chaotic true story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon in St. Louis. As a wildly unprepared group of runners face extreme heat, hallucinations, wild animals, bad decisions, and worse coaching, the race becomes a hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of legacy, failure, and what it really means to be remembered.
​
Book by Tyler Joseph Ellis
Music & Lyrics by Daniel Mertzlufft & Jacob Ryan Smith
​
The show was developed at the New Musicals Lab at Christopher Newport University and the 2026 Goodspeed Johnny Mercer Writer’s Grove.
The first single from the show, “To Be Remembered” (feat. Blake Roman), will be released February 6.
Grumpy Monkey The Musical
Grumpy Monkey: The Musical brought Suzanne Lang and Max Lang’s beloved character to the stage in a joyful, high-energy celebration of big feelings, friendship, and learning that it’s okay to have a grumpy day. When Jim Panzee insists he’s fine while the jungle insists he must be grumpy, a vibrant community of animals helps him discover that emotions don’t need fixing, they just need understanding. Filled with humor, heart, and irresistible songs, the show delights young audiences while speaking honestly and warmly to the adults sitting beside them.
​
Commissioned by Pasadena Playhouse for its 2024 season, Grumpy Monkey: The Musical marked the Playhouse’s first-ever Theatre for Young Audiences commission. The production played a sold-out run and received enthusiastic praise from both children and adults alike.
​
Book by Nina Meehan
Music & Lyrics by Daniel Mertzlufft & Jacob Ryan Smith
Stand-alone Songs
Beyond their theatrical work, Smith & Mertzlufft have gained notable attention for a growing slate of standalone song releases, collaborating with some of Broadway and the West End’s most exciting emerging performers. Recent releases include “Do You Remember,” sung by Lorna Courtney (& Juliet), with production by Devin Lewis; “Reading Too Much Into You,” performed by Bradley Riches (Heartstopper); and “In My Head,” sung by Andrew Barth Feldman and Joe Serafini, which has amassed over 2 million streams worldwide.
​
These releases allow Smith & Mertzlufft to tell complete, emotionally resonant stories outside the framework of larger projects, reaching new audiences through music-first storytelling. With both artists building strong followings through online connection and social media-driven storytelling, these collaborations have become a natural and meaningful extension of their work.