I should have listened to Steven Sondheim and James Lapine, the ingenious creators of "Sunday in the Park with George" and "Into the Woods," when they were asked:

"Which comes first: the music or the lyrics?"

"The book," they replied.

They couldn't have said it more wisely. And I couldn't have been more ass-backwards. When I finished the album in late 2005, I was delighted with the result, but--at the same time--I had a slight knot in my stomach because I hadn't written the story that my "Soundtrack" would accompany. No big deal, right? I'd just do that later...

Well, now it's later.

A lot F-in' later.

...But I emerge from my two-year artistic hell-hole with good news. The plot finally works, and the kinks are finally smoothed out (and there were plenty).

There were some casualties along the way, though. Three album tracks will be omitted from the show: "Can I Pass Chemistry," "Lay Back Down," and--most regrettably--"Happiness." But there are 7 new musical numbers (yay!)...

All of the lyrics from the "Soundtrack" are being slightly reworked, and a few songs(particularly "Conspiracy" and "Trucker Hat Blues") are getting drastic makeovers. Fans of the album should be aware, so they won't be too distracted by the changes when the show premieres (possibly next spring, but most likely next summer; it will take a LOT of work and time to put this sucker up.)

Oh, and one other thing...

Even though the album's called "Soundtrack to a Chemical Spill," the show will not be called "A Chemical Spill." There just aren't any chemicals spilling anywhere in this story (and the two songs that mentioned chemicals, "Happiness" and "Chemistry," have been cut).

That's the only thing major obstacle that's left: figuring out the title:)