Facing the Unexpected: The Story Behind This Is Not A Drill

Sometimes reality surpasses fiction with unexpected intensity. On January 13, 2018, a ballistic missile alert shook the calm of Hawai‘i: for long 38 minutes, panic and confusion ran high. When it was finally confirmed to be a false alarm caused by human error, another wave of emotions unfolded. 

This real-life event is the basis for This Is Not A Drill, a musical by Holly Doubet, with book by Holly Doubet and Joe McDonough Music and lyrics co-written with Holly Doubet, Kathy Babylon and John Vester, that delves into the human response to the unforeseen, exploring connection, reactions, and redemption. 

Holly Doubet, originally from Texas, studied piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London and also holds degrees in voice and piano from the United States. She has built a multifaceted career: composing songs for the children’s series Barney and Friends, performing professionally as a singer in studios and venues in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and leading her own band. Her return to stage composition reflects great artistic maturity and a personal perspective that permeates the entire piece. 

Kathy Babylon is a writer and lyricist with a narrative voice rooted in personal memory that resonates with collective truths. Married to keyboardist Guy Babylon (Elton John’s arranger), and mother to Ben Babylon, she brings literary and emotional sensitivity that deeply enriches the score. 

The musical direction benefits from the expertise of Paul Bogaev, a renowned producer and musical director of major Broadway shows. Ben Babylon has been a key part of the process: recording most of the music in the studio, working closely with Bogaev, and serving as assistant musical director and keyboardist (Keys 2) during performances. 

Several cast members of This Is Not A Drill have previously been involved in Aida, the acclaimed musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Notably, Felicia Finley, who starred as Amneris in Aida, brings her powerful presence and experience to this new production. This connection enriches This Is Not A Drill, linking it to a legacy of celebrated musical theatre and showcasing how past collaborations and experiences continue to inspire and shape contemporary works.

The show is set to premiere this September at the Theatre at St. Jean’s in New York. This musical aims to be an artistic and emotional experience that invites audiences to reflect on how we live, react, and come together when everything seems to be shaken Stay tuned—tomorrow we will be sharing an exclusive interview with Kathy Babylon and Holly Doubet, offering deeper insights into the creation and meaning behind This Is Not A Drill.

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