Following on from last year’s successful workshop presentation, Sammy, Leslie Bricusse’s musical celebration of the life of his friend, the legendary Sammy Davis Jr., will debut as a full-scale production at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in the summer.
Presented in association with Anthology Theatre Productions and Aria Entertainment, Bricusse’s original work, Sammy, has been re-imagined by Olivier Award-winner Clarke Peters (Five Guys Named Moe) who also directs and 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.
Commenting on the production which will play the Main House at the Lyric from 28 July until 19 September, Peters said: “Sammy was so important to me growing up, we all aspired to be him. But his influence on us as African American men was questionable. I’m delighted that we will be taking audiences on this journey with us, exploring the life and enduring legacy of this complicated but phenomenal entertainer through Leslie’s great love letter to his friend and collaborator Sammy Davis Jr.”
Leading man Terera added: “I am excited and very honoured to finally be bringing Sammy Davis Jr.’s incredible story to fresh new audiences. His triumphs and struggles speak to me and inspire me today more than ever.”
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 Anthony Newley for the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
First seen in 2009 in San Diego, California, Sammy 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’.
Welcoming the new version of his show, Bricusse said: “To have the creator of Five Guys Named Moe (Clarke Peters) direct the Olivier Award winning star of Hamilton (Giles Terera) by joining me in bringing you the musical life story of Sammy Davis Jr. in this beautiful theatre is a rare and great privilege.
“Sammy was a phenomenal human being, and a blazing talent, beyond anything we had ever seen. My wife Evie and I saw Sammy perform over 300 times during the 30 years of our great friendship with him, and after every performance we would look at one another and say ‘that’s the best he’s ever been!’ Because it always was!”
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.
Unveiling details of the musical which will close the 2019/2020 season at the Lyric Hammersmith, artistic director Rachel O’Riordan said: “I’m delighted that, to conclude my first season as artistic director, we will be producing Sammy – an epic musical, written by the legendary playwright and lyricist Leslie Bricusse.
“To have Giles Terera play the title character – in a musical directed by the brilliant Clarke Peters – in the Lyric’s beautiful Main House is an exciting and momentous prospect. I can’t wait for us to work with this incredible team and to take our audiences on this journey with us; nor can I imagine a better way to close our 2019/2020 season.”
Angela Thomas
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