Alexandra Burke in I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical. Picture: Danny Kaan
The London world premiere run of I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical has been rescheduled after the original venue – the Peacock Theatre – has been forced to close temporarily due to the need for essential building works.
Presented by Adrian Grant in association with Chaka Khan, the musical celebration of the superstar singer’s life and times will now play a strictly limited run at London’s Hackney Empire from 20-25 March.
The production will then continue with the previously announced dates at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 1-4 April and the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne from 7-11 April.
Announcing the venue change, producer Grant said: “We were informed just several days before our sold-out engagement of I’m Every Woman that the Peacock Theatre would not be available for our scheduled opening due to essential building works. While this is clearly very disappointing, it relates solely to the venue and is entirely outside of the production’s control.
“Our cast, crew and creative team are ready, and after more than three years of development in collaboration with Chaka Khan, we are incredibly proud of the show we have created.
“Hackney Empire now becomes the first opportunity for London audiences to experience I’m Every Woman. We are determined to share this powerful story with the public without delay and look forward to welcoming everyone to our previews and premiere in London, from 20 March and on tour at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry and the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.”
The artistic director and co-chief executive of Sadler’s Wells, Alistair Spalding, said: “Regrettably, Sadler’s Wells has been notified by its landlord, the LSE, that the Peacock Theatre must close temporarily for unexpected essential building works and therefore the show cannot open as planned.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by these necessary repairs. We wish the cast, creative team and producers all the very best with their run at Hackney Empire.”
The CEO of Hackney Empire, Chris Sudworth, added: “We ’re delighted to be working with Adrian Grant Productions to ensure audiences can experience this fantastic new musical this March. Hackney Empire has always championed bold, ambitious work forefronting global majority creatives and stories, and I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical is exactly that: a powerful celebration of an extraordinary artist and her legacy. We’re proud to be welcoming the production to our stage and to be able to support the company at this time.”
Chaka Khan commented: “I’m so proud of our cast, crew and producing team, and I can’t wait to share this story with you all.”
The production stars former X-Factor champion turned musical theatre star Alexandra Burke as the 10-time Grammy Award-winner Chaka Khan in the production which is directed by Racky Plews.
She will be joined at the Hackney Empire by Jordan Frazier (Hamilton) as alternate Chaka Khan, Paige Peddie (The Lion King) as Taka Boom, Chanice Alexander-Burnett (Les Misérables) as Tammy Michelle/Paulette McWilliams, Charlotte St Croix (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Milini Khan/Whitney Houston, Maryla Abraham (Coming to England) as Sandra Stevens, Chrissie Bhima (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Marie Stevens, Sophie Earl (Lizard Boy) as Joni Mitchell, Duane-Lamonte O’Garro (Kinky Boots) as Hassan Khan/Luther Vandross, Miles Anthony Daley (The Drifter’s Girl) as Richard Holland/Prince, Teddy Wills (Get Up, Stand Up!) as Fred Hampton/Miles Davis/Grand Master Melle Mel, Chris Breistein (An Officer and a Gentleman) as Steve Winwood, Samuel Sarpong-Broni (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Charles Stevens/Yoruba Priest/Stevie Wonder and Peter Houston (Hamilton) as Bob Monaco.
Completing the cast in the ensemble are: Kayleigh Stephenson (We Will Rock You), Earl Gregory (Play On!), Vanessa Dumatey (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical), Gregory Armand (Mandela), Harry Robinson (Hamilton), Zinzilé Tshuma (Thriller Live!), Oskarina O’Sullivan (Thriller Live!), Connor Wilkins and Tarik Frimpong (A Strange Loop) who will also be resident choreographer.
Featuring a book by Nia T Hill, the musical will showcase Chaka Khan-voiced hits as a solo artist and as the lead singer of Rufus, including ‘I Feel For You’, ‘Tell Me Something Good’, ‘Ain’t Nobody’, ‘Sweet Thing’, ‘Higher Love’ and ‘Through the Fire’.
Musical supervision will be by Mark Crossland, with choreography by Ebony Clarke, set design by Sara Perks, sound design by Chris Whybrow, costume design by Natalie Pryce, hair and make-up design by JJ Wigs, casting by Debbie O’Brien, associate direction by Oliver Lidert, production management by Toby P Darvill and general management by Emily Obasohan.
Angela Thomas
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