Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice


Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice is a musical by Gavin Creel inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collections. It is based on a concept originally commissioned by The Met. The original production made its world premiere and Off-Broadway debut at the MCC Theater from November 13, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

History and development

Creel received his commission from the Met in January 2019. The work had a premiere concert presentation in October 2021 at the Met; this performance was also filmed and uploaded on YouTube. In 2022, there were two workshops of the piece at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and Pershing Square Signature Center. Creel spoke at length about working on this piece before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Companion Guide, referenced artworks are:Smashed Strokes Hope by Joan SnyderWisconsin Landscape by John Steuart CurryAmerica Today by Thomas Hart BentonAutumn Rhythm (Number 30) by Jackson PollockThe Organ Rehearsal by Henry LerolleThe Storm by Pierre Auguste CotVsevolod Mikhailovich Garshin by Ilya Repin

Productions

Original Off-Broadway production

The world premiere was directed by Linda Goodrich and music directed by Madeline Benson. It made its Off-Broadway debut at the MCC Theater. It ran from November 13, 2023, to January 7, 2024. The cast starred Creel alongside Ryan Vasquez, Benson, Chris Peters, and Sasha Allen.

Musical numbers

  • "Where Am I?"
  • "Walk On Through"
  • "Color"
  • "Hallelujah"
  • "The Journey"
  • "Scattered"
  • "Sing"
  • "What Is This?"
  • "The Only One"
  • "I Know You"
  • "Hands On You"
  • "High"
  • "Alone Tonight"
  • "Judith"
  • "Daydreamer"
  • "Unfinished World"

Recordings

A live cast album of the show was released on September 30, 2025. It was produced by Madeline Benson, Chris Peters, and Sara Bareilles.
All songs are sung by Gavin Creel and played by the Walk On Through Band.