Birmingham Rep will co-produce and host the world premiere of the long-planned Frank Sinatra musical later this year. Presented in association with Universal Media Group and Frank Sinatra Enterprises, the story of the New Jersey born son of Italian immigrants who became one of the biggest stars in the world will be brought to the stage by double Tony Award-winning writer Joe DiPietro (Memphis The Musical, What’s New Pussycat?) and triple Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes, The Pyjama Game).
Timed to mark the 70th anniversary of Sinatra’s 1953 UK tour (which included a visit to the city) Sinatra The Musical will debut at Birmingham Rep from 23 September until 28 October 2023.
Discussing his involvement in the production, book writer DiPietro said: “Growing up, there were two pictures hanging in my grandmother’s kitchen – The Pope and Frank Sinatra. So to sit down with Tina Sinatra and hear stories of her father which no one else knows, and then to be able to put those stories on stage – well I think it’ll make for an unexpected and thrilling new musical.
“We’ll be showing you how the man became the legend and how the legend was – at the end of the day – just a man. And I couldn’t be more excited that our world premiere is at Birmingham Rep, where I had such a phenomenal time working on What’s New, Pussycat?”
Director and choreographer Marshall said: “I am beyond thrilled to return to the UK, which feels like my second home, to bring the story of the legendary Frank Sinatra to the stage at such a prestigious theatre as the Birmingham Rep. We hope to create an evening of theatre that is as stylish, sophisticated and elegant as Mr. Sinatra, with glorious music from the American Songbook.”
Tina Sinatra added: “I am very proud of our new musical production and I’m especially delighted that, for the first time, we’re going to give you a perspective on my father that you’ve never seen before.”
Commenting on the project on behalf of The Rep, the venue’s double Olivier Award-winning artistic director Sean Foley said: “The Rep is thrilled to be co-producing this world premiere production about the legendary artist Frank Sinatra. His was an extraordinary life, and this promises to be an unmissable show about that life.
“We look forward to welcoming Kathleen Marshall and the rest of the world class cast and creative team to create the show about his life with us right here in Birmingham. In particular, we welcome back Joe Pietro to The Rep, where his Tom Jones musical, What’s New Pussycat? so thrilled audiences last year.”
Sinatra’s extensive catalogue of timeless tracks from decades of recordings will form the musical accompaniment to the story of the man and the legendary artist.
Michele Anthony (executive vice president, Universal Music Group) and Bruce Resnikoff (president and CEO, Universal Music Enterprises) producing on behalf of Universal Music Group Theatrical said: “We’re delighted to premiere this inaugural production of Sinatra The Musical at Birmingham Rep later this year, and to bring a new dimension to one of the most dynamic and creative periods in Frank Sinatra’s iconic life and career.
“Through the legacy of his music and legendary performances, Frank Sinatra continues to capture the attention of both life-long fans and a new generation of audiences around the world.”
Sinatra The Musical is the first in a series of new projects and initiatives developed by Frank Sinatra Enterprises in partnership with Universal Music Group aimed at introducing new audiences to Sinatra’s life and artistic legacy.
Angela Thomas
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