MusicalWriters and Dramatist Guild members Lisa Apple and Meg Parker Wilson are the co-creators of the musical Boy on Billboard.
Apple, a songwriter, and creator with a passion for musical theatre, brings extensive musical experience to the collaboration. She has performed in numerous Dallas cover bands, led the Dallas chapter of “Chick Singer Night,” showcased her talent at SXSW in Austin, and released two full-length albums. A Belmont University graduate with a BA in Music Business & Management, Apple is a BMI member with 20 years of composing experience and training in both classical and commercial voice. She currently resides in New York City.
Wilson, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and Theatre, complements Apple’s musical expertise with a strong background in performance and directing. Her studies at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center and internship with 20th Century Fox’s Features Casting department provided a solid foundation for her work on stage and in film. After moving to Dallas, Wilson wrote and directed for Genesis Children’s Theatre, produced film content as a Board member for Light in Action, and further honed her skills in costume design and integrating technology into stage storytelling. Her film credits include Seasons of Grey (Kate Welling) (Echolight Films), and Aliens in the Attic (Brook) (20th Century Fox). Wilson has been writing, acting, and directing for fifteen years.
MusicalWriters sat down with the writing team to learn more about their musical, Boy on Billboard, as well as their “why” for entering the world of musical theatre, their favorite guilty pleasure albums and more!
How did you get started writing musicals?
Lisa Apple: We bounced around ideas a lot but nothing really clicked. Then one day, Summer 2019, Meg came into my office and suggested we write a musical about my brother James and his journey. She had listened to some of my music and the song “Jamie” really resonated with her. It was clear this was the story we needed to tell—a true story, a tough story, but ultimately a hopeful one. We both felt strongly that sharing James’s experience could help others find their own path to healing and restoration from something broken.
Tell us a little more about Boy on Billboard.
Meg Parker Wilson: The musical tells the story of Lisa’s brother, James Apple, who died of accidental suicide due to an undiagnosed mental illness the day after his 24th birthday. Six months prior he had climbed to the top of a billboard in downtown Fort Worth. For seven hours he paced back and forth, sat and stood, threatened to jump and conducted an orchestra he saw in his mind. The family stood in a trailer watching while the police and rescue team tried to coax him down. The musical is a haunting true story about mental health, family, and the battle fought unseen.
What was the first “real performance” you’ve had of your work? How did that performance come to be, and what did you learn from it?
Meg: May 2023 marked a huge moment for Boy on Billboard: its first full-scale stage production. After months of refining the script and score, we kicked into high gear. Lisa focused on composing and recording the tracks, while I tackled art design, production, and casting. It was a true team effort, and we credit our partner, Heath Bromley, for finding the perfect venue in Richardson, Texas.
A bit of serendipity even played a role – Lisa reached out to our lead, Jack Austin, via social media, and he not only expressed interest but also agreed to travel from out of state to play her brother, James! Seeing our show come to life onstage was a surreal and incredibly rewarding experience.
The new material really resonated with our cast and audience. When asked to sum up their experience in one word, the actors and singers offered powerful responses: “human,” “family,” “bravery,” and, perhaps most poignantly, “seen.” These words capture the heart of Boy on Billboard and the deep connection it forged with everyone involved.
Lisa: We’ve learned a lot about perseverance. Even when we were scared or unsure of the next steps, we kept putting one foot in front of the other, and that made all the difference. We also discovered the true power of collaboration. The theater world can be small, and early on we realized that not everyone would get our vision. We learned to let go of the “no’s,” the people who didn’t understand what we were doing, or just weren’t the right fit. (And yes, sometimes we get ghosted—it’s funny, but it’s true!)
Some people need convincing, and we’re okay with that. But for those who took a chance on us, who believed in the story and saw the potential of the script and music, we’re eternally grateful. They’re an integral part of Boy on Billboard‘s journey. Oh, and we also learned just how much it costs to put on a show!
Watch a portion of Boy on Billboard in the video below.
What are you working on right now?
Lisa: We are getting ready for our second Dallas production of Boy on Billboard, March 13th-16th, 2025, and our upcoming 29 Hour Reading in New York City this May.
Click HERE for tickets and information about the Dallas performance.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your writing journey that you’d like to share?
Meg: Be open. Listen. Keep going. Be willing to fail and learn from it. Be willing to say “all the bad ideas” to find the right inspiration.
Lisa: To expound on what Meg said – Be open to the creative process and be patient with yourself on the journey. And be grateful when the creative inspiration comes because there’s lots of times when it doesn’t and that’s okay. Keep going and keep listening because it will come.
Writing a musical isn’t easy. What’s your “why” in being a musical writer?
Meg: After my husband was hospitalized due to suicidal ideation and then diagnosed with a mental illness, my world was turned upside down. I found myself wrestling with overwhelming fear and uncertainty about what the future would hold for us, especially with two young children to care for. Yet, even amidst those challenges, a glimmer of hope began to shine through. Watching my cousin bravely recover from multiple suicide attempts has filled me with immense pride and inspiration; their journeys have proven to me that strength and hope can emerge from the darkest places. Watching others overcome challenges reminds us we can too!
I believe these stories are vital for others to hear, as they remind us we are not alone and that we can inspire hope and resilience in those who need it most. Art has a unique ability to convey these messages powerfully and meaningfully. I’ve come to realize that my calling in life is to share stories through theater, performance, film, and education. I am passionate about telling meaningful narratives that can help foster healing and connection for others. Boy on Billboard is just the beginning.
Lisa: To change the world of course ha! To heal and challenge and bring people together. I’m often told that I’m so open and not afraid to be vulnerable. It’s just how I am. I don’t know any different, but what I’m realizing as I get older is that it helps other people let their guard down and be genuine and more human. And that’s where real connection can happen with people. My writing is similar – it’s a testament to the values I hold very close – honesty, humility and bravery.
Why did you join MusicalWriters Academy?
Meg: We learned about MusicalWriters Academy while doing research on resources for developing new musicals! The first summer conference was launching and we were able to volunteer and learn more about the great community being created! The resources that MW provides are some of the only ones out there. It is a great resource.
What have been your most memorable moments with MusicalWriters?
Meg: One of the best things about being part of MusicalWriters is the incredible support system. It’s such a relief to be able to connect with other members, ask questions, and share what we’re going through. There’s a real sense of camaraderie because everyone understands the challenges—and the all-consuming passion—that comes with creating musical theater.
Lisa: I’d say getting to meet people and then eventually being a part of one of the year-long writers groups. I’m still friends with some of those people!
Meg: We also love collaborative communities.
What’s your proudest accomplishment as a musical writer?
Meg: I’m very proud of us for coming this far and I am grateful for the lives that are being touched by it.
Lisa: Getting this far and creating a piece that means something to people.
image courtesy of boyonbillboard.com
Is there a specific MusicalWriters resource that has been particularly helpful for you?
Meg: MusicalWriters.com provides so many resources both locally and internationally! We have questions and you’ve got answers!
Lisa: In particular, the article and resources related to 29 Hour readings have been extremely helpful as we work towards our upcoming May reading in New York City.
Read the MusicalWriters article, A 29-Hour Reading: How We Got There.
What is your favorite musical writing (tech) tool?
Meg: Since we live in different cities, Google’s collaborative tools have been a lifesaver. Being able to work on things simultaneously and see each other’s updates in real time is essential for us. It keeps us connected and organized, and having everything readily accessible is incredibly helpful. We’ve explored other writing software for final formatting and such, but for the day-to-day creative process, the accessibility and anytime, anywhere collaboration that Google provides is just too powerful to give up.
NOTE: If you’re interested in using Google tools for submitting and collaborating, check out this MusicalWriters article: Sharing Musical Demos and Videos Online (Using Google Drive)
Lisa: What Meg said and also voice memos on the iPhone. I use voice memos ALL THE TIME.
What’s the best way to get better as a musical writer?
Lisa: Get your work out to audiences! Putting your work out there can be terrifying, but it’s also the most important step. It’s the only way to really see what you’ve created and find out if it connects with an audience.
Meg: Be brave, be open to feedback, and soak up every bit of information you can. It’s all part of the journey.
Do you have a website? What tool or service did you use to create it?
Meg: Our website, boyonbillboard.com, has been an invaluable tool for us. We built it using Squarespace, which is surprisingly intuitive and has allowed us to do so much – share the story, sell tickets and merchandise, highlight our media appearances, and even stream a special performance of the show! While our General Manager, Heath, has done some impressive work customizing the site with code, we started with the templates, which were incredibly helpful when we were handling everything ourselves.
Do you use social media to promote your work?
Lisa: We’re active on Instagram and TikTok, which have been great ways to connect with our audience, donors, and potential supporters. Instagram has become a sort of visual diary of our progress, where we share updates and next steps. TikTok, well, that’s been a wild ride! We had a completely unexpected viral moment when a chair accidentally flipped during one of our show’s scenes. It’s hilarious, but that little mishap has racked up over 8 million views and a million likes! It just goes to show you – you never know what funny little thing will resonate with people.
@boyonbillboard All actors know that feeling of trying to hold in a laugh onstage! #theatre #theatrekid #livetheatre #musicals #broadway #musical #theater #boyonbillboard
Just for fun: What’s your favorite “guilty pleasure” album to listen to on repeat?
Meg: BATBOY! I love that quirky musical so much.
Lisa: Old school Christina Aguilera!
Lightning Round with Meg & Lisa:
Coffee or tea? Meg: Coffee | Lisa: Coffee
Cats or dogs? Meg: Bees | Lisa: Both
Digital or analog? Meg: Depends | Lisa: Digital
Fly solo or team up? Meg: Team Up | Lisa: Team up
Pizza or Hamburgers? Meg: Hamburgers | Lisa: Pizza
Road Trip or Fly: Meg: Fly | Lisa: love both
City, Country, or Suburbs? Meg: City | Lisa: Suburbs
Flip Flops or Crocs? Meg: Flip flops | Lisa: Flip Flops
Apple or Android? Meg: Apple | Lisa: Apple
Most recently used emojis? Meg: heart, kissy face, crying, thumbs up | Lisa: smiley face
Last thing you texted? Meg: Budget stuff for work (lol)! | Lisa: Meg about this article
Three things within arms reach right now? Meg: Our Town script, Cellphone, Coffee | Lisa: Water bottle, Phone, Journal
What is one question you wish we would have asked?
How do you like to spend your down time?
Meg: I love to travel with my family! Experiencing other cultures is a big part of who I am and what brings me joy. And, I love the ocean, so spending time with people I care about near bodies of water is life giving.
Lisa: Spending time with friends and family, traveling and exploring, good food.
Thanks so much to Meg & Lisa for sharing their time and talents with MusicalWriters!
Connect with – and learn more about – Boy on Billboard at www.boyonbillboard.com.
