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ALL AT ONCE!

Where the Noise Becomes Music!

Contemporary Musical 80 minutes No Intermission 8 Songs
Visit Show Website: allatoncemusical.com →

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Synopsis

A 17-year-old with ADHD learns to turn her racing mind into music—and discovers her voice, her people, and her power.

All at Once! is a contemporary pop musical about Jules Chen, a brilliant, big-hearted 17-year-old whose ADHD makes the world feel loud, fast, and wildly alive. When school pressures and family expectations collide, Jules stumbles into a support group that reframes "distraction" as creative capacity.

With encouragement from her steady lab partner Derek, counselor Sam, facilitator Dr. Vasquez, and designer-mentor Maya (plus Maya's disarmingly honest daughter Emma), and college student Marcus—a fellow creative learning to reclaim his confidence after academic failure—Jules learns to harness "hyperfocus" as artistry rather than flaw.

At home, parents Linda and David shift from worry to advocacy; at school, rigid teacher Mr. Hendricks becomes a measure of the system Jules is outgrowing. Across propulsive, hook-forward songs—"Seventeen Directions," "What If There's Nothing Wrong with Me," "Hyperfocus Magic," "Chosen Family," "All at Once!" and the finale "Where the Noise Becomes Music,"—Jules finds her voice, her people, and a way to turn the noise into music.

The show celebrates neurodiversity, first love, and chosen community with warmth and momentum.

Scene Breakdown

Scene 1: Explosion Point
8 minutes | Chemistry Classroom
Jules struggles with a D-minus test grade while experiencing sensory overload. Derek notices her identifying his "Bohemian Rhapsody" tapping pattern. Mr. Hendricks offers compassionate guidance, sharing his daughter's similar journey and recommending Dr. Vasquez's support group.
♪ "Seventeen Directions" - Explosive opener introducing Jules' mind as both overwhelming chaos and potential symphony
Scene 2: Collision Course
10 minutes | Coffee Shop
Derek explains chemical equilibrium using music theory, creating deeper connection with Jules. Maya recognizes ADHD patterns and shares her own struggles. Emma demonstrates fidget collection with mature wisdom. Sam invites group to Wednesday support meeting.
♪ "The Learning Curve" - Sam, Maya, and Jules share transformation journeys from self-blame to self-acceptance
Scene 3: Raw Truth
22 minutes | Support Group Circle
Marcus reveals repeated organic chemistry failure despite accommodations. Derek learns the difference between support and management. Jules pushes back against being treated as broken. Group explores fundamental question of being different vs. being broken.
♪ "What If There's Nothing Wrong With Me?" - Jules leads vulnerable exploration of self-worth
♪ "Not Alone Anymore" - Marcus initiates group solidarity anthem
Scene 4: Family Crisis
8 minutes | Chen Family Kitchen
Jules shares art program interview news, but parents focus on disappointing grades. Linda explodes about real-world expectations. Jules calls out parents for making it about their guilt rather than her future. Derek supports Jules' decision to leave.
♪ "Chosen Family" - Jules and Derek define love that accepts rather than conditions
Scene 5: Make or Break
12 minutes | Art Studio at State University
Jules faces dismissive interviewers who see "chaos" in her work. Instead of apologizing, she educates them about her creative process, demonstrating sixteen hours of sustained focus and unveiling "Seventeen Directions" multimedia work.
♪ "Hyperfocus Magic" - Jules demonstrates her creative process in real-time
Scene 6: The Real Fight
20 minutes | School Board Meeting Room
Sam presents peer mentoring proposal facing aggressive opposition. Emma gives profound testimony about her "kaleidoscope brain." Marcus shares switching from pre-med to psychology. Jules delivers passionate advocacy about accommodation as access, not excuse. Close 4-3 vote approves pilot. Derek arrives with scholarship acceptance. Parents arrive ready to learn.
♪ "All At Once!" - Jules leads company-wide advocacy anthem
♪ "Where the Noise Becomes Music" - Gentle finale acknowledging ongoing journey while celebrating difference

Musical Numbers

  1. "Seventeen Directions" - Jules (2:45) - Explosive opener introducing Jules' mind
  2. "The Learning Curve" - Sam, Maya, Jules (2:30) - Transformation from self-blame to self-acceptance
  3. "What If There's Nothing Wrong With Me?" - Jules, Marcus, Maya, Derek (3:15) - Vulnerable exploration of self-worth
  4. "Not Alone Anymore" - Full Group (2:30) - Group solidarity anthem
  5. "Chosen Family" - Jules, Derek (2:30) - Love that accepts rather than conditions
  6. "Hyperfocus Magic" - Jules (2:30) - Creative process demonstration
  7. "All At Once!" - Full Company (3:30) - Title song, advocacy anthem
  8. "Where The Noise Becomes Music" - Full Company (2:30) - Finale celebrating difference as harmony

Characters

JULES CHEN (17)
Soprano, G3-G5
High school junior with ADHD. Brilliant, big-hearted, struggling with sensory overload and family expectations.
DEREK MARTINEZ (18)
Tenor, C3-A4
Jules' lab partner, later boyfriend. Learning to support rather than manage.
SAM MARTINEZ (23)
Baritone, A2-F4
Derek's brother, guidance counselor. Creates peer mentoring proposal.
MAYA RODRIGUEZ (35)
Mezzo-soprano, B3-F5
Graphic designer, single mother with ADHD. Fierce advocate.
EMMA RODRIGUEZ (8)
Treble, C4-D5
Maya's daughter. Disarmingly wise about brain differences.
DR. VASQUEZ (45)
Alto, G3-D5
Support group facilitator. Compassionate guide.
MR. HENDRICKS (50s)
Speaking role
Chemistry teacher. Father of daughter with similar journey.
LINDA CHEN (42)
Alto, A3-E5
Jules' mother, nurse. Journey from denial to advocacy.
DAVID CHEN (45)
Bass-baritone, F2-D4
Jules' father, engineer. Learning to support differently.
MARCUS WILLIAMS (19)
Baritone, G2-E4
College student switching from pre-med to psychology.
ENSEMBLE
6-8 performers
Students, Board Members, Parents, Interviewers

Production Information

Cast & Crew Requirements

  • Cast Size: 10 principals + 6-8 ensemble (some doubling possible)
  • Orchestra: Acoustic instruments can handle all requirements
  • Set Design: Unit set with moveable elements allows seamless scene transitions without breaks
  • Lighting: Primary tool for distinguishing locations and emotional shifts

Themes

  • Neurodiversity acceptance and celebration
  • Family dynamics and generational understanding
  • Self-advocacy and systemic change
  • Community building and chosen family
  • First love and authentic connection

Target Audience

  • Young adult and adult audiences
  • Educational market potential for schools and organizations
  • Neurodivergent audiences and their families
  • Mental health advocacy organizations

Commercial Viability

  • Timely, relevant subject matter
  • Strong roles for young performers
  • Clear message without being preachy
  • Contemporary musical theater style accessible to modern audiences
  • Propulsive, hook-forward songs
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