Armenian-American Musical ‘When Two of Us Meet’ Gains Recognition with Sold-Out Concert Reading
A new Armenian-American stage musical, When Two of Us Meet, is set to hold a sold-out concert reading on March 22, 2025, at The Green Room 42 in New York City. The event will feature Armenian Ambassador to the United States Lilit Makunts as the Guest of Honor, where she will deliver a special introduction to mark the occasion.
The musical, written by Armenian-American composer and lyricist Emily Simonian, explores themes of love, resilience, and the immigrant experience, drawing from Armenian history in the early 20th century. Its score blends contemporary musical theater with traditional Armenian sounds, reflecting the cultural heritage at the heart of the story.
Sponsored by the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA), the Strobia Foundation, and other supporters, When Two of Us Meet has gained recognition as a finalist in multiple musical theater festivals. The production is led by an all-female creative team from California, a rarity in the industry, and is among the few American musicals centering on Armenian stories.
“This musical is a tribute to my ancestors and to all those who have carried Armenian stories forward,” said Simonian. “The presence of Ambassador Makunts underscores the importance of sharing history and culture through the arts.”
With a cast of 14 performers—nine of whom are Armenian-American—and a six-piece band incorporating traditional instruments like the duduk and oud, the concert seeks to bridge Armenian heritage with American musical theater. Music coordinators Alena Kutumian and Peter Douskalis, along with producers Simonian, Kutumian, and Rebecka Kazarian Webb, have aimed to bring Armenian narratives to a broader audience.
The show’s limited availability led to a quick sell-out, but a waitlist and livestream options remain open. The concert reading serves as an early step in the musical’s development, with hopes of drawing industry attention for a fully staged production in the future.