WHEN TWO OF US MEET
A New Musical
Book, music, and lyrics by: Emily Simonian
When Two of Us Meet is an uplifting immigrant story that celebrates resilience, perseverance, and the power of community.
A heartfelt portrait of one Armenian family’s journey from their homeland to a new life in America, the musical is told through the eyes of young immigrant Aleck. Moving between past and present, he grapples with lingering memories while piecing together his family’s story—one shaped by love, humor, and unexpected turns.
When Two of Us Meet has been named a
2026 Semifinalist for the
Eugene O'Neill Theater Center’s
National Music Theater Conference!
The National Music Theater Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is one of the most prestigious development programs for new musicals in the country, selecting only a small fraction of 400+ submissions each year.
Since 1978, it has helped shape over 100 new works—including early versions of In the Heights, Avenue Q, and Nine.
Being named a semifinalist places When Two of Us Meet among some of the most exciting new voices in musical theatre today.
Why This Story Matters Right Now
I chose to tell this story now because we need more narratives that champion minorities and immigrants—stories that celebrate resilience, love, and the universal pursuit of belonging. By using modern language and a contemporary pop-musical-theatre sound, I aim to make the story more accessible, relatable, and fun while adding warmth to its emotional core. Inclusivity in theatre is more important than ever, and I want audiences from all backgrounds to see themselves in this journey, connect with its themes, and feel invited into the world of When Two of Us Meet.
Emily Simonian, Creator