Retrograde The Musical

Retrograde The Musical
Official promotional logo
Music	Nick Laughlin Richard C. Walter Jesse Saint John Drew Louis
Lyrics	Nick Laughlin Richard C. Walter Jesse Saint John Drew Louis
Book	Nick Laughlin Richard C. Walter

Retrograde The Musical is an astrology-based musical with the book by Nick Laughlin and Richard C. Walter, and music and lyrics by Laughlin, Walter, Jesse Saint John, and Drew Louis. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Background

Retrograde The Musical started their rollout with twelve singles for each astrological sign released during each sign's season. ^[4] The singles feature guest vocalists including Bonnie McKee, Dylan Mulvaney, Zane Phillips, John Pinto Jr., Jan, Matt Rogers, Vincint, Liisi LaFontaine, and Apocolypse Noir. ^{[5] [6] [7]}

In 2026, they are planning to release a musical concept album, Retrograde The Musical (Studio Cast Recording), including the twelve singles for each astrological sign, in addition to more plot driven songs written by Nick Laughlin, Richard C. Walter, Jesse Saint John, and Drew Louis. ^[3] According to Playbill , they have plans to produce a stage production of the show after the studio cast recording album is released. ^[1]

Plot

The story follows Anna, an aspiring astronomer, as she navigates her womanhood and college experience. She first finds herself rejected from the astronomy program that her father founded. Then she encounters personified versions of the astrological signs, and all twelve signs introduce themselves with astrology driven pop songs. Ultimately, Anna discovers that there might be more to the stars than astronomy. ^{[1] [3] [4]}

Reviews

RivalMagazine described "Virgo (Lists & Receipts)" featuring Liisi LaFontaine and Apocalypse Noir as steady, deliberate, and quietly cutting. ^[8] Too Much Love magazine noted that Bonnie McKee's performance on "Libra (Fairest of Them All)" did a good job blending pop music with theatrical energy. ^[9]

Discography

All credits adapted from Spotify and Apple Music. ^{[6] [7]}

Singles

Year	Title	Album	Writer(s)	Producer(s)
2025	"Scorpio (Death Stare)" (featuring Zane Phillips)	Retrograde The Musical (Studio Cast Recording)	Nick Laughlin, Richard C. Walter, Jesse Saint John, Drew Louis	Drew Louis
	"Libra (Fairest of Them All)" (featuring Bonnie McKee)
	"Virgo (Lists & Receipts)" (featuring Liisi LaFontaine & Apocolypse Noir)
	"Leo (PartyStar)" (featuring Vincint)
	"Cancer (Boo Hoo)" (featuring Matt Rogers)
	"Gemini (Two Sides of the Same Coin)" (featuring Jan)		Nick Laughlin, Richard C. Walter, Drew Louis
	"Taurus (Dope)" (featuring John Pinto Jr.)		Nick Laughlin, Richard C. Walter, Jesse Saint John	Midi Jones
	"Aries (Dazzled)" (featuring Dylan Mulvaney)			Drew Louis, Zhone

Studio albums

Title	Details
Retrograde The Musical (Studio Cast Recording)	Scheduled: 2026 [3]

References

1. "Astrology-Based Concept Musical Retrograde Releases Single Featuring Dylan Mulvaney April 18". Playbill. Archived from the original on July 24, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
2. "Retrograde The Musical". Genius. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
3. "Drew Louis Collaborates on Retrograde The Musical's "Virgo (Lists & Receipts)" featuring Liisi LaFontaine". www.toomuchlovemagazine.com. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
4. "Liisi LaFontaine Channels Virgo Energy in Retrograde The Musical with Drew Louis Contributions". Rival Magazine. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
5. "Retrograde The Musical (Studio Cast Recording) by Retrograde The Musical". Genius. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
6. "Retrograde The Musical - Spotify". Spotify. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
7. "RETROGRADE The Musical on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
8. "Liisi Lafontaine channels Virgo energy in Retrograde the Musical with Drew Louis contributions". September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
9. "Bonnie McKee, Drew Louis, and Jesse Saint John Turn Libra's Search for Balance into a Theatrical Pop Anthem". www.toomuchlovemagazine.com. Retrieved October 29, 2025.