Clara and the Beef
A STORY OF RESILIENCE AND FAME
Clara and the Beef Episode 1: Getting Started
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Bringing Clara Peller's Unforgettable Legacy to Life in a Captivating Musical
In a world where fleeting moments of fame can shape destinies, Clara and the Beef tells the compelling story of Clara Peller, the iconic face behind one of the most memorable advertising campaigns of the 1980s. This richly textured musical, written by Clara’s daughter and manager, Marlene Necheles, delves into Clara's life, spotlighting the timeless relevance of sudden celebrity in today's social media-driven culture. Marlene met Geoff Shell in 2012, and his innovative music composition between 2012 and 2014 brought her lyrics to life, transforming the project into a vibrant, captivating musical.
The story unfolds with Clara as a single mother striving to provide for her two children. With determination and grit, she becomes her own boss in the beauty industry. Years later, her authentic touch in manicures catches the eye of director Joe Sedelmaier, known for his talent in working with everyday people to create extraordinary commercials. Clara's journey from obscurity to stardom begins with several ads for Sedelmaier, culminating in the legendary “Where’s the Beef?” commercial that aired on January 10th, 1984.
Following the ad's immense success, Clara and Marlene embark on a whirlwind tour across the United States. As they navigate the highs and lows of Clara's newfound celebrity status, Clara reflects on her past, while Marlene comes to see her mother as a symbol of strength and resilience. They traverse the landscape of American fame, sans the red carpet, with Clara emerging as a beloved cultural icon.
The play begins in the present day, as Marlene receives a call from Wendy's. The company wishes to reuse commercials featuring Clara’s image, despite Clara having passed away years ago. This request stirs deep emotions and memories for Marlene, prompting her to grapple with how best to honor her mother’s legacy while preserving their special bond. Through Marlene's quest for answers, Clara and the Beef explores themes of family, memory, and the enduring impact of 80s advertising, highlighted by the brilliance of Joe Sedelmaier's directorial vision.
Clara and the Beef is more than a tribute; it's a poignant reflection on the nature of fame and the indelible mark left by a woman whose 15 minutes in the spotlight became a lasting legacy.
For interested creatives and actors:
Please send head shots, resumes and/or links to wheresthebeefmusical@gmail.com
In Loving Memory of Marlene Necheles
Marlene Necheles (1930-2019), whose passion for storytelling and dedication to the arts infused Clara and The Beef with timeless inspiration. Marlene's work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, celebrating the enduring legacy of her mother, Clara Peller.
#WheresTheBeefMusical #HomeOfTheBigBun #WheresTheBeef #ClaraPeller
Press
Chicago Tribune 7/10/15 – Star of 'Where's the beef?' ad could be subject of new musical
The Columbus Dispatch 7/20/15 – ‘Where’s the Beef’ musical would honor Wendy’s ad star
Munchies (Vice) 7/21/15 – The Wendy’s ‘Where’s the Beef?’ Lady Musical Is Going to Be Weird
A.V. Club 7/22/15 – The “Where’s The Beef?” lady is getting her own musical
FWx (food And Wine) 7/22/15 – ‘WHERE’S THE BEEF?’ IS TRYING TO BECOME A MUSICAL
Eater 7/23/15 – Someone Is Writing a Musical About the 'Where's The Beef?' Lady
USA TODAY 7/23/15 – 'WHERE'S THE BEEF?' LADY FROM WENDY'S ADS INSPIRES A MUSICAL
Broadway World 7/23/15 – Wendy's 'Where's The Beef' Ad Campaign Inspires New Musical!
Clara Peller is better known as the 'Where's the Beef?' lady from the Wendy's commercials in the 1980s, but as Mara Montalbano (@maramontalbano) tells us, she could be the subject of a new musical.
Creative Team
Marlene Necheles
Marlene Necheles grew up on the West Side of Chicago. She received an A.B. in English from Roosevelt University and went on to complete two master's degrees at The University of Chicago, in Education and Social Service Administration.
A passionate writer, Marlene authored a book about her mother, titled Clara Peller, An American Icon. Soon after its publication, she became a member of Midwest New Musicals, collaborating with fellow students to write Maxwell, a short play about love and loss in a small town in Ohio.
Marlene was the author and lyricist of Clara and The Beef.
Geoff Shell
Described by the Chicago Tribune as "thoughtful and talented," Geoff Shell is a multifaceted artist, entrepreneur, and visionary creator who seamlessly blends his passions for music, media, and technology. He is the founder of Modal Media Group, a branding, web design, and video production firm, and Geoff Shell Music, a one-stop shop for film scoring, concert music, multi-instrumental performance, and music education. Geoff also operates Rad Universe, a retro 80s/90s-inspired brand where he works as a creative director, synthwave music producer, remix artist, and video editor.
Geoff is the co-author and composer of Clara and the Beef, adding his musical expertise to Marlene Necheles' book. He serves as the creative director, head of archiving, and director/producer/editor of the accompanying video web series.
Cast of Characters
Videos
Episode 1: Getting Started
Clara Peller, the "Where's The Beef?" lady famous for saying the popular catch phrase in the 1984 Wendy's hamburger commercial is introduced and contextualized along with how Marlene Necheles and Geoff Shell began working together on a musical about her life.
Episode 2: Public Persona
Marlene Necheles & Geoff Shell discuss Clara Peller's appearances on Donahue and Merv Griffin, her iconic costume, comparisons to Andy Warhol and more.
EPISODE 3: Saturday Night Live
Marlene Necheles & Geoff Shell discuss Clara Peller's cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live and highlight their song about the experience, "Saturday Night In New York" featuring Sheana Tobey.
EPISODE 4: Clara's Awards
Clara Peller's real and imaginary awards are highlighted along with a special feature of her cameo appearance in "The Stuff".
Music Demos
Lyrics by Marlene Necheles
ACT I
ACT II
Contact
For interested creatives and actors, please send head shots, resumes and/or links to wheresthebeefmusical@gmail.com
