John A. Fiore '01 is singing a happy tune--or writing some--as the composer for the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 153rd show, Fangs for the Memories.

After the script, written by Sarah C. Haskins '01, Young K. Lee '99 and Pudding Co-Producer Benjamin S. Forkner '01, was chosen in late September, the whirlwind composer competition began.

"We extended an invitation to the composing music community," said Vice President of the Band Gregory C. Padgett '02, who was in charge of the composer comp. "It's seen as a great opportunity, a really high-profile thing on campus."

About 10 interested composers received some sample lyrics from the show, a1950s Cold War satire with a supernatural flare, and worked to set the verses and choruses to music.

Although Fiore had not composed before, he was interested in trying it out.

"I had played around with stuff on my own, but never for any public venue," he says.

Fiore has, however, been an active member of Harvard's musical theater community, working on a number of shows--including Jesus Christ Superstar, as musical director, and Evita, as a performer.

"I've done a lot of arranging, which shows a lot here," Fiore said.