Joshua Turchin wrote the book and lyrics, and composed the music, to an original, award-winning, Broadway-bound musical which wowed New York critics. Not bad for a 14-year-old, huh? But the New York-based youngster, who is also an actor, would rather you not dwell on his age. Instead, he wants people to focus on his accomplishments. And there are many. For instance, Joshua recently released the cast EP of his Broadway-bound musical, The Perfect Fit. The EP, or extended playlist, is available on platforms such as Amazon, iTunes, and Apple Music.

Recently, Joshua answered a series of questions about, among other things, The Perfect Fit. The following is a partial, edited transcript of the interview, conducted via e-mail.

Aaron Krause: What led you to write and compose The Perfect Fit, and when did you create the show?

Joshua Turchin: There are very few shows for people to actually play their own age as a teen. So, I thought it would be fun to write a show where there are lots of opportunities for teens to play teens, and to talk about the challenges of teens trying to figure out where they fit in.

AK: What were your hopes for the musical? Did you expect it to receive the kind of reviews that it has? What was your reaction to the accolades?

JT: I’ve been blown away by the response. I submitted it to Tony Award-winning producer Ken Davenport’s Rave Theater Festival as a blind audition. I was so surprised and happy when it got picked as one of only 20 shows of hundreds which applied, and I was the only child writer in the festival.

AK: For those not familiar with your show, what it is about?

JT: After his parents move to the city, Jake, an awkward teen musical savant, meets teen actors and dancers Alexandra and Elizabeth who are vying for a spot in a new musical. They face conflict with vindictive stage parents, self-discovery, and trying to figure out their own perfect fit in the world.

AK: What are the take-home messages that you want audiences to leave the theater with?

JT: I remember an audience member who saw the festival production ran up to me after the show and said, “This show just changed my life forever.” He had tears balling down his face. I think our audiences will have a lot of self-reflection on their own choices as parents and children, memories of childhood, and empowerment to take control of their own path in life.

AK: Was it difficult to create the EP? Please take us through the process.

JT: It was definitely a challenge, but we learned a lot. We were slated to do a full studio recording with Broadway Records this summer until the magic of COVID paused Broadway. Rather than put things on hold, we figured out a way to record a number of the songs entirely remotely. We worked with the different actors and had all of the musicians and actors record their tracks separately, then mixed and mastered it all together. It was a lot of fun to do.

AK: Where can people get the EP?

JT: You can buy The Perfect Fit Remote EP on iTunes at https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-perfect-fit-the-musical-the-remote-album/1522929307 and on Amazon Music at https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Fit-Musical-Remote-Album/dp/B08CSQXLYL/

AK: Of all the shows in which you’ve performed, do you have a favorite and why does it stand out for you?

JT: It’s like picking your favorite child, but I’d have to say Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation was one of my favorites. (Joshua is now the youngest cast member, and only child, ever to perform in Forbidden Broadway’s 38-year history). I got to originate the part and helped create so many fun characters. I’d also say that playing Flounder in The Hollywood Bowl’s Live-To-Film production (of The Little Mermaid). It was also an amazing experience getting to meet Alan Menken and working with Harvey Fierstein, Peter Gallagher, Lea Michelle, and so many other really talented actors and musicians.

AK: What are your future plans (where do you see yourself in 10, 20 years and what do you see yourself doing)?

JT: I would love to keep composing and performing. I do plan on going to college, but music is my passion.

AK: What advice would you give to someone your age or younger who aspires to perform?

JT: Just be yourself. It’s not about getting the part. A lot of people put pressure on themselves during auditions that they have to get the part, but that’s not really the whole picture. I think of auditions as a chance to have fun, meet new people, and show them what I can do. Sometimes you are not right for that part, but someone in the room saw something in you that may want them to cast you in something different. If you don’t get a part, you just weren’t the right fit for that role, but there will be something better out there for you.

AK: Do you have a dream role and why do you desire so strongly to portray that character?

JT: I would love to play Evan Hansen one day. I got to originate the role of “Evan Has-Been” in Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation, but it would be fun to play the original character.

AK: Why do you like to perform and how does it make you feel?

JT: I love diving into characters and telling other people’s stories, and seeing audience reactions while I perform.

By Aaron Krause, Contributing Writer

For more information about Joshua, visit https://www.joshuaturchin.com. For more information about The Perfect Fit, visit https://www.perfectfitmusical.com.