Calling Winston is an original musical by Dan Hazlett and Grace Hazlett, with songs by Dan Hazlett. The story follows Winston Coleman, an aging songwriter and jazz musician, as memories of his life and career surface through conversations with his great-nephew, revealing both a personal history and a wider portrait of American culture through the era of the Hollywood musical. 

Conceived for full theatrical production, the work combines character-driven storytelling, period-inspired songs, and a jazz-informed musical sensibility. The concert presentation was created as a proof of concept for producers, presenters, and theater companies exploring future staging opportunities

In 1990, Winston Coleman is eighty-five years old and getting to know his great-nephew J.P., who has come to live with him before starting college in New York. As they talk, Winston’s memories come alive, tracing a lifetime spent writing songs and pursuing success in the world of Hollywood musicals, with the help of his sister Charlene.

Across twenty songs spanning 1929 to 1956, the musical moves through Winston’s recollections and the broader history of American entertainment, with scenes shaped by the performers, films, and cultural moments that influenced him. The result is a theatrical story about ambition, art, memory, and the persistence of creative life across generations

• Format: Original musical for theatrical production.Only-a-Songwriter-INterview-and-Remarks-2-28-2025.docx+1

• Book/Writers: Dan Hazlett and Grace Hazlett.

• Songs: Dan Hazlett.

• Proof-of-concept format: Concert staging with songs and narration.

• Intended full production: At least six actors and a jazz band.

• Scope: Twenty songs spanning 1929 to 1956, framed by a present-day story set in 1990.

Calling Winston is available for review by theater companies, presenters, and producers interested in future staging. To review the script, production materials, or additional details, please use the links below or contact Dan Hazlett directly.

View the script on New Play Exchange.

Access the complete script here.

For inquiries, contact Dan Hazlett at homestmusic@aol.com.

Read the interview: The Golden Age – Dan Hazlett Celebrates the Era of the Hollywood Musical in “Only a Songwriter; The Life and Music of Winston Coleman.”

“Your innovative, entertaining and extraordinary play was my welcome back to live music.” — Lori Stratton

“The style of songs seamlessly bridged the gap between historical references and the style of the time. It was believable that these songs could have been part of the early fabric of early American jazz.” — Lori Stratton

“Beautiful, outstanding, magnificent, charming, funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking.” — Jay Jylkka

“You brought an entire swathe of history to life, while showcasing songs both humorous and poignant.” — Maureen

Proof of Concept Performance
Watch the concert staging created to introduce Calling Winston to theater companies and potential producers.

Promoter / Presenter Video
This additional video includes material Dan considers especially helpful for sharing with promoters and presenters

For script inquiries, production interest, or additional materials, contact Dan Hazlett at homestmusic@aol.com.