Michael John LaChiusa, known for musicals such as Hello Again, Marie Christine, The Wild Party, and See What I Wanna See, first brought First Lady Suite, a chamber musical about four first ladies of the United States, to the Public Theater in 1993. More than two decades later, he has returned to the same themes in First Daughter Suite, which ran at the Public Theater last fall.  The musical explores the mother-daughter relationships in five first families (the Nixons, Carters, Fords, Reagans, and Bushes) with a witty and heartbreaking score that echoes the ladies’ innermost thoughts and feelings. An original cast recording is now on iTunes, with CDs available in stores on April 1.

StageBuddy had the chance to speak with LaChiusa about his research process, the unique sound of the score, and why history is worth exploring from a new and thought-provoking angle.

How did you get your start in musical theatre and what would you say it takes to keep the passion alive in a creative career?

Michael John LaChiusa: I’ve loved music ever since I was a kid – loved singing, loved musicals – and remember as far back as the fourth grade when my teacher, Mrs. Hammer, remarked on my passion. She said, “When you grow up, you should write musicals.” I’ve never thought about doing anything else. When I moved to New York, I learned all about orchestration, continued writing, and learned how to produce shows.

The best advice I can share, regarding overcoming obstacles, is “Be true to who you are.” It’s so important to do your work honestly and without an ego.

In thinking about First Daughter Suite and First Lady Suite, why do you think it’s so important to spotlight history’s women, with a focus on mother-daughter relationships?

The idea of studying first ladies began as an interest. It was my passion and my vocation – I studied the first ladies every single day. I did extensive research and heard such remarkable stories and then began to put them together. While these aren’t bio musicals, I wanted to share what I knew. I really wanted these characters to sing and have an outlet to express themselves. With First Daughter Suite, I was very intrigued by the mother-daughter relationship – while every family is different, so many notions remain the same when it comes to this kind of relationship.

Would it be fair to say that First Daughter Suite is a continuation of First Lady Suite?

I didn’t want First Daughter Suite to be a sequel – there were more stories to tell and this was a new platform. There are over 20 years of separation between the two pieces, and while some of the songs revisit First Lady Suite, with parallels to songs such as “Over Texas,” this musical allowed for more depth and complexities in portraying the relationships.

How would you describe the sound of the show and how does it bring the storyline to life?

The sounds contain a certain palette of colors – it’s comprehensive and has much texture. The music is intimate and has a spirit that can be described as freeing and fun. Audiences experience a score that has an entertaining and invigorating '70s flair.

What is the songwriting process like for you and what helps to cultivate inspiration?

I’m definitely aware of the cultural changes and put a lot of focus into ordering the songs along with the show, so audiences can learn the story. Music is a very powerful tool and is such a big part of an audience’s experience. I try my best to make it easier for them to hear and gain an understanding. I definitely write with the audience in mind.

What songs do you think will stick with fans the most?

The final piece, “Let Go”, is very lush, romantic, and passionate, and I think will stay on the minds of audiences. “Daughters Of” is also very personal and lets the audiences in on the innermost thoughts and feelings of these women, about living life in the public eye. These ladies are authentic and relatable, and this number shines a spotlight on their experiences as human beings and is really both beautifully honest and heartbreaking.

The First Daughter Suite album will be released on CD on 4/1. It is currently available on iTunes.