Jacob Fowler will play the Prince to Grace Mouat’s Ella in the UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre.
Known for winning the BBC talent search show Little Mix: The Search, Fowler’s musical theatre credits include playing JD in Heathers The Musical at The Other Palace, is taking on the role of Prince Topher opposite the previously announced Mouat (Legally Blonde, Regent’s Park Open Air, & Juliet, Shaftesbury Theatre) in the eagerly anticipated production will make its debut in Manchester from 1 November until 11 December 2022.
Commenting on the production, Fowler said: “I’m honoured to be a part of the European premiere of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella! It has been a dream of mine to sing a Rodgers and Hammerstein score, so to do so, opposite Grace and at the Hope Mill, is a privilege.”
Ahead of the production’s late autumn debut, fans can catch a first listen to the central couple in character with the release of the duet ‘Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful’.
The venue’s founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton head the creative team for the production with Houston as director and Whelton as choreographer. The creative team is completed by musical supervisor Leo Munby, musical director Audra Cramer, with new musical arrangements by Jason Carr, set and costume design by Elly Edowski, projection design by George Reeve, lighting design by Aaron J Dootson, wig design by Richard Mawbey, casting by Jane Deitch and artwork by Steph Pyne. The song is produced by Ben Robbins for Umbrella Rooms and the video is by Umbrella Rooms.
Further casting will be announced at a later date.
Based on the classic fairy tale, Cinderella was the only piece written specifically for television by the legendary creators of South Pacific, Carousel and The Sound of Music.
Boasting music by Richard Rodgers with lyrics and a book by Oscar Hammerstein, Cinderella debuted on US television in 1957 with Julie Andrews giving an Emmy nominated performance in the title role.
Cinderella was re-made twice for TV – in 1965 with a teenage Lesley Ann Warren starring and in 1997 with pop star Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother.
The small screen musical was first performed on stage at the London Coliseum in 1958 and productions followed across the US and in the Far East. The show was transformed into a Broadway musical featuring a book by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane (To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar) in 2013.
Commenting on Hope Mill’s production, the president of Concord Theatricals, Bill Gaden said: “We’re delighted that Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella will make its UK theatrical premiere at the Hope Mill Theatre.
“The modern Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers and Hammerstein.
“Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews to a viewership of 107 million, the largest in history at the time, the title has been charming audiences ever since. We look forward to Manchester theatregoers experiencing the updated incarnation today.”
Angela Thomas
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