Only a Mask
Meet Only a Mask, a new musical created by Blake Cordell, a graduate student in music composition at the University of Iowa. This project is part of his master’s thesis.
Show Synopsis: Max has a special gift—psychic superpowers—since childhood. His abilities came when a comet passed by Earth, changing his life forever. With his best friend Sam by his side, he keeps his powers a secret. But Sam is tired of hiding. She wants to resist the prejudice they face. When she learns about an organization called The Reigning Storm, which is conducting experiments on superpowers, she urges Max to join her in seeking answers. Their journey will test their friendship, as Sam’s desire for strength clashes with Max’s fear of discovery. Can they stay true to themselves while wearing their masks?
About the Creator: Blake Cordell isn’t new to the stage. Before coming to Iowa City, he worked in Chicago as a lighting and sound designer. Only a Mask is his third musical. His previous work, Inn-Dependent, won an award at the Kennedy Center in 2015, and his music was recognized in the 2025 International Joseph Dorfmann Composition Competition.
Details:
When: Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2025
Where: The James Theater, 213 N Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA
Time: Doors at 7 p.m., Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can, starting at $0, with a suggested price of $8. Proceeds will go toward production costs.
In a world where superheroes dominate movie screens, Only a Mask reflects a growing trend in storytelling—exploring the significance of friendship and identity. Audiences today crave relatable characters who face moral dilemmas. According to a recent survey, 70% of theatergoers prefer stories that challenge societal norms.
Join the conversation on social media as people share reactions to this intriguing story. The hashtag #OnlyAMaskMusical is already trending as anticipation builds for opening night!
To learn more about Blake Cordell and his journey in the world of musical theater, visit University of Iowa.
