A new version of Leslie Bricusse’s musical celebration of the life of his friend, the legendary Sammy Davis Jr, will be presented in workshop form next week in front of an invited audience of industry experts and investors.
Presented by Anthology Theatre Productions and Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Bricusse’s original work, SAMMY, has been re-imagined by Olivier Award-winner Clarke Peters (Five Guys Named Moe) who will direct with Bricusse’s own choice of leading man, fellow Olivier Award winner Giles Terera (Hamilton) in the title role. Mike Dixon will be the showcase’s musical supervisor.
With plans for a full-scale production of the show in 2020, to coincide with the year of what would have been Sammy Davis Jr’s 95th birthday, the producers hope to capture the imaginations of its guests at the showcase performance on Thursday (31 October).
Bricusse’s long personal and professional relationship with one of America’s greatest showmen began in the 1960s when Davis Jr recorded the first of more than 60 songs written by Bricusse. The charismatic star gave Bricusse his only number one hit, ‘The Candy Man’, which was co-written with Bricusse’s long-time writing partner Anthony Newley for the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
First seen in 2009 in San Diego, California, the musical examines the life and legacy of the man who has been described as the 20th century’s greatest entertainer. The musical features new work by Bricusse, and some of the most famous numbers from the Bricusse and Newley songbook including the haunting ballads ‘What Kind of Fool Am I?’ and ‘Who Can I Turn To?’ and the much-covered classic ‘Feeling Good’.
One of Britain’s most prolific and celebrated musical talents, Bricusse has written the book, music and/or lyrics for more than 40 musical films and plays during his award-laden career.
Only the fourth Englishman (after Noel Coward, John Lennon and Paul McCartney) to be included in the American Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, Bricusse has won two Oscars, a Grammy and eight Ivor Novello Awards.
Angela Thomas
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