Tony Award winner Matt Doyle will take on the title role in the world premiere of Sinatra The Musical at Birmingham Rep this autumn.
The winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance as Jamie in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company, Doyle (Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, Broadway) will lead a cast of 20 actors and 17 musicians performing 25 of Frank Sinatra’s most iconic songs when the long-awaited musical makes its debut at Birmingham Rep from 23 September until 28 October 2023.
Commenting on his role of one of the most famous 20th century entertainers, Doyle said: “I have no doubt my Italian grandmothers would be profoundly overjoyed. This one is for Geraldine Padula and Nicoletta Macchia who raised my family and me on Frank’s music. I cannot begin to express what an honour it is to take on The Chairman of the Board’s incredible legacy.”
The musical’s director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall said: “I am so excited to work with Matt Doyle again! Matt is an incredible actor and singer, and he has all the charm, charisma, sensitivity and depth to bring the story of Frank Sinatra’s life and artistry to Birmingham Rep.”
Sinatra’s daughter, Tina added: “Sinatra is the first book musical to take an honest look at my father’s life, so the question people kept asking – who could possibly play him? From the moment Matt Doyle swaggered into the audition room, he owned the role. Not only did he naturally possess Frank’s warmth and charm, Matt understood my father’s complexities. And once he began to sing, we knew we had found our Frank!
“In addition to his extraordinary talent, Matt also possesses an intuitive sensitivity about life that will help reveal the man behind the legend. I can’t wait to see him in the role at Birmingham Rep in the fall! I know Dad will be proud of him.”
Presented by Birmingham Rep in association with Michele Anthony, Bruce Resnikoff and Scott Landis for Universal Media Group and Tina Sinatra and Charles Pignone on behalf of Frank Sinatra Enterprises, the story of the New Jersey-born son of Italian immigrants who became one of the biggest stars in the world is being 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, Marshall (Anything Goes, The Pajama Game).
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 two-time Tony Award winning writer, Joe DiPietro, and three-time Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall, together with the rest of the world class creative team to Birmingham very shortly.
“I am thrilled that Tony Award winner Matt Doyle will lead the cast in the iconic role of Frank Sinatra himself. Matt is an extraordinary talent, and I know that our audiences will welcome him and the rest of the cast with excitement and open arms.”
Sinatra’s extensive catalogue of timeless tracks from decades of recordings forms 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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