About the Show

Inspired by a historical event, this world premiere musical dramatizes an art competition between rivals Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Florence, Italy, circa 1500: Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, the two greatest artists of their day, engage in a head-to-head painting competition, battling not only each other but their own doubts and demons. 'The Battles' explores the struggle between the courage to love and the retreat into fear. It’s a story of fighting against both the walls we erect as a society, and the walls we build around our own hearts–walls that keep us from becoming all we can be. It’s a battle that continues to this day.

Critic Reviews (1)

"The famous battles between these two great artists are in fact much more personal here. And it works. If you’re like me, however, you’ll wonder why musical theatre was the right medium for this story...Where the show fits the classic mold, it also notably departs from convention. For one, it’s unapologetically, refreshingly queer...This story is intimate and relatable...Perhaps it’s too sleek and intimate for the collection of showstoppers that the score wants to be."
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Trailer

Creative team