TomOfBeardland

Yes! I think he is very good at writing shows that sound modern, but are still playable by less mature ensembles. It seems with Mandarins he can do much more intricate stuff.

Their sticks and mallets? Really though, it's the cohesive music choices that makes it pop. Too many designers are guilty of selecting favorite pieces and quotes, and just stapling them together with a random pit segue.