Dr. Robert Cioffi, professor of English and Drama at County College of Morris (CCM), celebrated this summer with an upstate New York premiere of his latest musical, Songs from a Glass Half Full.

The musical revue about the different perspectives people take about their lives was successfully presented in July by Gail P. Luna and 204 Main at BANK in Sharon Springs, New York, in anticipation of its Manhattan premiere. The revue features lyrics by Drew Taylor with music written by Cioffi of Oakhurst.

Taylor is a veteran Broadway performer with many shows to his credit including The Secret Garden, Annie, Gigi and Sweet Smell of Success. He also is an accomplished playwright and lyricist. Cioffi, an accomplished composer and musician, has written scores for such projects as an off-Broadway production of Dorian, the musical of Dorian Gray, Children of Paradise and The Flowering Thorn.

Songs from a Glass Half Full is about four strangers who meet and examine their lives, asking each other and themselves whether their glass is half empty or half full.

"We couldn't have asked for a better production or a more enthusiastic audience response,” said Cioffi. “It was an honor to work with Producer Gail Luna and Broadway vets Fred Rose (Company, Phantom of the Opera, Cyrano), Nancy Johnston (The Secret Garden, Elf), and talented stars on the rise Seth Danner and Lindsie VanWinkle. Everything about the production was first-class. We are excited to know that the show has a future."

Taylor and Cioffi previously collaborated on the musical One Way Ticket to Hell, produced regionally and in Los Angeles where it earned five Ovation Nominations including “Outstanding World Premiere of a New Musical.”

Cioffi, who earned his Ph.D. and M.A. from New York University and B.A. from Seton Hall University, has taught at CCM and coordinated the college’s Drama program since 1983.