ALOHA MEANS HELLO AND GOODBYE
THIS IS NOT A DRILL - The Musical
Based on terrifying true events that creator Holly Doubet experienced…
THIS IS NOT A DRILL takes audiences inside the surreal chaos of a morning in 2018, when an emergency alert warned Hawaii residents and visitors of an incoming missile attack. As fear grips the island, strangers and loved ones alike are forced to confront their mortality and their humanity. Set to a soaring and heartfelt score, this powerful new musical tells the story of connection, compassion, and what truly matters when time stands still.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL will play the Theatre at St. Jean’s,
September 9 - October 11, 2025
THIS IS NOT A DRILL
World Premiere Musical
Book by HOLLY DOUBET & JOSEPH MCDONOUGH
Music & Lyrics by HOLLY DOUBET, KATHY BABYLON & JOHN VESTER
Music Supervisor: PAUL BOGAEV
Music Director: DAVID JOHN MADORE
Directed and Choreographed by GABRIEL BARRE
"This Is NOT A Drill” is a musical based on true events experienced by its conceptor, Holly Doubet. On January 13, 2018, an emergency cell phone alert informs everyone in Hawaii that an incoming nuclear missile is headed straight for the islands warning citizens and visitors; "BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.'' The people in Hawaii believe that the terrifying alert is accurate until a follow up message is sent out thirty-eight minutes later advising that the first alert was an unfortunate mistake.
ARTICLES & LINKS ABOUT SHOW
Link to cast, creatives, media from The York:
https://www.yorktheatre.org/this-is-not-a-drill
Time Square Chronicles:
Theater Beyond Broadway:
https://www.theatermania.com/shows/new-york-city-theater/this-is-not-a-drill_1793761/
https://www.fox19.com/video/2025/07/23/cincinnati-boys-musical-this-is-not-drill/#
Show formally known as “38 Minutes”
https://www.broadwayworld.com/industry/article/Paul-Bogaev-And-Gabriel-Barre-Attached-To-Musical-In-Development-38-MINUTES-2
https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/dallas-produced-musical-38-minutes-tells-a-first-hand-story-of-the-hawaiian-missile-crisis-12912152
https://www.dailyadvent.com/tag/gabriel-barre
http://voyagedallas.com/interview/conversations-with-holly-doubet/