98 Degrees Singer Drew Lachey Says New Musical Created with Wife Lea Lachey Has 'Changed Me and My World' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Drew Lachey and wife Lea Lachey in September 2024.Photo:Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Drew Lachey and Lea Lacheyare saying “I Do” toOff-Broadway.

The 98 Degrees singer and his wife have created, written and directed a new musical, titledlabel•less.And after years of performances across the county, a full production of the show, with choreography from Lea, will make its New York City debut next month, for a limited run from March 20 through March 30 at Theatre Row.

Billed as a part concert and part theatrical experience,label•lesscombines brand-new original music with hit pop songs as a cast of young performers take to the stage to open up about the challenges they face while offering hope of a better, more accepting tomorrow.

“It has never been easier to connect with others yet our world has never been more divided. The struggle to understand and accept people that do not look the same, sound the same, think the same has never been more real,” a description for the show reads. “label•lessis the perfect vehicle to start the difficult conversations that need to be had. Whether discussing race, sexuality or mental health,label•lessbrings attention to topics in a way that everyone can understand and relate to.”

Performances run Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, March 29.

Prior to Off-Broadway, the musical will play Kohler, Wis. on March 6, and Bloomington, Ill. on March 8.

Key art for the musical ‘label•less’.Super Awesome Friends

Super Awesome Friends

Drew and Lea, both 48, were high-school sweethearts. Marrying in 2000, they share two children: daughter Isabella, 18, and son Hudson, 14.

The couple have worked together for years, with Lea choreographing and dancing for 98 Degrees during the height of the boy band’s fame. Not long after moving back totheir hometown of Cincinnatiin 2009, Drew and Lea launched their summer Lachey Arts Camp in 2012 at their alma mater, the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA). In 2015, Drew and Lea officially launched their nonprofit organization,Lachey Arts.

label•lessbegan there in 2016, with the idea for the music, dance and spoken word poetry special project coming together after a classroom exercise made them aware of the effects that things like racism, sexism, homophobia, anxiety and depression were having on their students.

It’s since developed into a 90-minute show that highlights “the power of resilience, empathy and hope,” per a release. “With each story,label•lessbreaks down barriers and encourages us to see beyond labels, reminding us of our shared humanity.”

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“Of all the things that have happened in my career, none have impacted my life as much aslabel•less,” says Drew, a Broadway vet himself after stints inRent(2004) andSpamalot(2008), to PEOPLE exclusively. “Being able to tell these stories of love, triumph and resilience has changed me and my world, and I believe deeply that it will change the worlds of all those who come and see it.”

“Creating and building label•less has been empowering and life-changing for me,” adds Lea. “Our amazing creative team and talented cast are some of the bravest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. My hope is that audiences leave the theater moved and open to embracing people for who they truly are.”

Justin Jeffre, Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons and Nick Lachey perform on stage during the 98 Degrees Ultimate Throwback concert stop in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos in August 2022.Alexander Tamargo/Getty

Alexander Tamargo/Getty

Meanwhile, it’s a big week for Drew. On Tuesday, 98 Degrees will release “I Do (Cherish You) (98ºs Version)"—a brand new version of their hit song featuring Filipino superstar Katrina Velarde. It’s one of five previously released tunes they re-recorded and digitally mastered for inclusion on their new album,Full Circle.

The album itself, featuring the single “Got U,” drops May 9.

label•lessticketsare on sale now.

source: people.com