The London premiere of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Little Women and a work-in-progress presentation of Harry Hill and Steve Brown’s Tony!(The Tony Blair Rock Opera) will feature in the autumn to spring season at London’s Park Theatre.
Presented by the team behind last year’s successful transfer season of RAGS The Musical, Aria Entertainment, Hope Mill Theatre and Knockhardy Productions in association with Park Theatre, Little Women will play a strictly limited season at the Finsbury Park venue from 11 November until 19 December 2021.
Seen at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre in 2017, the European premiere production of the musical which was first produced on Broadway in 2005 is directed by the director of RAGS The Musical, Bronagh Lagan.
Commenting on the production’s London season, Lagan said: “Little Women is a show very dear to my heart, being one of four sisters myself. It’s a real privilege bringing this show to London, one which I am very grateful for. Women are still struggling to find true equality in society, it is quite incredible to think that this tale of female empowerment was written over 150 years ago.”
Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment added: “We are all delighted to be bringing this beautiful musical to London after its European premiere in 2017. We hope it will bring much magic and joy to London’s Park Theatre this autumn and can’t wait to welcome audiences to see it.”
The creative team for the production also includes set and costume designer Nik Corall, musical director Leo Munby, orchestrator Andy Collyer, choreographer Sarah Golding, lighting designer Ben M Rogers and sound designer Paul Gavin with casting by Jane Deitch. Casting will be announced at a later date.
With music by Grammy Award winner Jason Howland, the musical inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 novel has a book by stage and screen writer Allan Knee and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein.
Directed by the artistic director of Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre, Peter Rowe, Tony! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) will be workshopped at Park200 on 22 and 24 October. The latest offering from the team behind I Can’t Sing, The X-Factor Musical, comedy star Hill and composer Brown, the show which first featured at MTFest takes a comic look at the controversial former PM and his journey from student wannabe rock star to politician and multi-millionaire.
Announced by artistic director Jez Bond, the new season at the popular Finsbury Park venue also includes a selection of festive shows including Alexander Knott’s re-titled and reworked Cratchit which will receive its live premiere following its successful streamed production from the Old Red Lion last Christmas.
Commenting on the programme Bond said: “We can’t wait to bring the spirit of Christmas back to Finsbury Park with a top class selection of seasonal shows full of music, heart and laughter. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in our new season, with musicals, comedy, cabaret and drama in equal measure.
“It’s been fantastic to see audiences returning to our theatre and we need the support of booking audiences now more than ever as we strive to build a strong foundation for the future. We’ll be keeping some Covid safety measures in place over the winter so audiences can book with confidence and enjoy being back at the theatre for their Christmas treat.”
The programme also includes Sarah Louise Young’s affectionate tribute to Julie Andrews, Julie Madly Deeply. Young who has performed with Fascinating Aida and for over a decade with Olivier Award-winning improv specialists The Showstoppers, will be joined by long-time collaborator Michael Roulston on piano for the show which takes its audience on a journey through the glittering career of the iconic stage and screen star Julie Andrews. Featuring songs from classic musicals including Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady, the production will run from 20 December 2021 to 1 January 2022.
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.