Prospect:  One of the major changes from your original story to The Hidden Sky is that the genders of two central characters (Ganil and Lani) have been reversed, placing a woman at the heart of the musical.  What was your response to this choice?

UKL: I was delighted by this change.  In 1963, science fiction was about men (with an occasional pretty lady to scream while being carried off in the alien's tentacles), and it hadn't occurred to me yet to ask why.  The gender reversal is a quiet feminist action that strengthens the story both morally and emotionally.

Prospect: What do you feel the story has gained from being expanded into a two act musical?

UKL: The physical presence of the actorsthe power of stage dramaand MUSICpowerful, beautiful music.  You can't ask for much more than that!
Prospect:  Although the story takes place in an alternate, future universe, what do you think is the most relevant aspect of the tale for a modern audience?

The themes of the storythe danger of intolerant fundamentalist belief of any sort, questions of how science and morality interactare as urgently relevant to our situation now as they were five decades ago.  Perhaps even more so.  Alas.

Prospect: In general, what sort of music do you listen to?  Are you a fan of musical theater and if so, do you have a favorite show?

UKL: I listen to early and baroque music, Spanish guitar, Schubert, Berlioz, Glass, Springsteen.  I love opera, old or modern, especially if I can be there in the theater.  I saw Oklahoma and South Pacific etc.  when they first came out and loved them, but Broadway musicals haven't done much for me for a long time.   I saw Menotti's The Medium and The Consul when they first came out too, and still love them.  I think of The Hidden Sky not as a musical but as an opera-- Is that wrong? a kiss of death?  I hope not!