LITTLE MISS PERFECT tells the story of Noelle Sanders — 
 the epitome of Black Excellence — navigating the pressures of senior year in a small Midwestern town. Noelle is determined to get into her dream school, Howard University, and maintain her flawless image as the pastor’s daughter. However, she harbors a secret about her identity that could disrupt her carefully constructed life.

The musical explores themes of identity, authenticity, and belonging as Noelle runs for student body president at her school, Christopher Columbus High, which has never had a black president. (Sound familiar?) Along the way, she navigates her complicated relationship with
her strict but loving adoptive mother and her growing feelings for Malaya Cruz, a free-spirited Filipino exchange student who is somehow now her roommate.

President? Pride? Perfection? Can she have them all? Or will they come at a cost?
With a buoyant pop-infused score, LITTLE MISS PERFECT redefines the coming-of-age
musical through a modern and inclusive lens.

Joriah Kwame Headshot

Joriah Kwame, Writer
(Book & Music)

Zhailon Levinson Headshot

Zhailon Levinson, Director

Patrick B. Phillips, Music Director

The Song That Started It All

Winner of the 2019 Taylor Louderman Write Out Loud competition, “Little Miss Perfect” written by Joriah Kwamé quickly became a viral phenomenon with over ten million views
to date. Thousands of fans reached out to Joriah, sharing how Little Miss Perfect had inspired them to embrace their true selves—many even credited the song with helping them come out or feel more at peace with who they are. More and more fans asked if the song was part of a larger musical. What happened was iconic and Little Miss Perfect, the musical, was born.

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A Pop Infused Coming of Age Tale Origins

Watch how “Little Miss Perfect” came together in collaboration with Barn On Fire (2022) and the
New York Theater Barn with commentary by
Joriah Kwame.

Little Miss Perfect Press

Image of Broadway World Article On Little Miss Perfect Review
Little Miss Perfect Golden Heart

  • At the heart of LITTLE MISS PERFECT is a buoyant, pop-infused score that mirrors the infectious energy of the viral song that inspired it. Every note feels fresh, dynamic and will leave you humming long after the curtain falls. Joriah Kwamé is also a master lyricist creating clever, catchy rhymes alongside deeply meaningful phrases. If you loved the song, the score will have you singing along all over again, in ways you never expected.

  • Built-In Audience: With its roots in the viral song, its exploration of modern issues, and the writer’s expansive online presence, the musical has strong potential to engage today’s youth on social media, encouraging both word-of-mouth and organic buzz. This is the musical that the fans asked to be made. If we build it, they will come.

  • Viral Potential: Joriah’s music is prolific on all online platforms and streaming services. The numbers speak for themselves:


  • Relatable Themes: The story speaks to the pressures of perfection, race, and selfidentity, particularly in the context of high school and family expectations.

  • Inclusive Storytelling: This is a story for ALL. At its heart, LITTLE MISS PERFECT celebrates the complexity of identity, the journey toward selfacceptance, and the power of embracing imperfections while uplifting a protagonist of color.

  • Fresh, Modern Score: The pop-infused score offers both catchy anthems and emotional depth.

  • Up and Coming Creative Team (with a Broadway legend thrown in for good measure): Many involved with LMP are creating buzz within the industry and beyond. Besides Joriah’s impressive collaborations with Sony Picture Films, DreamWorks and other established hit makers in the industry, director Zhailon Levingston is quickly becoming the most sought after director in the industry after solidifying his rightful place as an A-list New York director in 2024 with his brilliant vision for CATS, THE JELLICAL BALL, immersing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS in a new, young, black, queer ballroom scene. Justice Moore, is a rising star in the dance world as a performer in the Jamie Lloyd smash revival of SUNSET BLVD. and as choreographer Justice Moore and music director Patrick B. Phillips made history in 2024 as the youngest known Black conductor on Broadway with his conducting debut on THE WIZ revival. Little Miss Perfect has also paired these new theatre innovators with a legend of the Broadway stage, writer and lyricist Michael Korie who has joined the project at a production consultant and dramaturg.

Theatre

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As Seen In:

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