Nikita Johal will step into the female lead role the West End debut of Broken Wings after the show’s original star Hiba Elchikhe withdrew from the production for personal reasons.
Following on from a series of London workshops and the recording of a concept album, a semi-staged production of the musical which was created by the West End star Nadim Naaman and Qatar-based composer Dana Al Farden is due to play the Theatre Royal, Haymarket from 1-4 August 2018.
Featuring a book by Naaman and music and lyrics by Naaman and Al Farden, based on Lebanese-born writer Kahlil Gibran’s autobiographical poetic novel, Broken Wings is the story of the writer’s youthful love affair with a businessman’s daughter in turn of the century Beirut.
Naaman will return to the role of the older Gibran, who also acts as narrator. He will be joined by Johal, who starred in Hope Mill Theatre’s recent production of Spring Awakening, and will move out of the ensemble to play Selma opposite Rob Houchen (Titanic) as the teenage Gibran.
The rest of the cast includes: Adam Linstead (Cats, London Palladium and international tour), Soophia Foroughi (Tiger Bay, Wales Millennium Centre), Nadeem Crowe (School of Rock, Gillian Lynne Theatre), Irvine Iqbal (Disney’s Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre) and Sami Lamine (Laila: The Musical, West Yorkshire Playhouse and UK tour). The ensemble will be made up of Robert Hannouch (Godspell, UK tour) and Lauren James Ray (West End production of Wicked).
Produced by Ali Matar, the production which will be directed by Bronagh Lagan with orchestrations by Joe Davison, and will feature a nine-piece orchestra.
Commenting on the latest stage in his project journey to full production Naaman said: “Kahlil Gibran is the Shakespeare of the Middle East, and the third best-selling poet of all time. His views transcend nationality, politics and background, read by all faiths and all ages. He was spiritual but wouldn’t dedicate his life to one particular organisation of religion. Instead, he took the best of all faiths, championing humanity, tolerance and love above all else.
“I still can’t believe that the book hasn’t already been adapted for the stage; it is structured like a play and is awash with musical references. Much like Kahlil Gibran’s life, the creation of this show has been a fusion of both the Middle East and the West, so to be presenting this piece in London, at the stunning Theatre Royal Haymarket, is both fitting and overwhelming.”
The show’s co-creator Al Fardan said: “Kahlil Gibran felt strongly about the universal language of music, often referring to it as the language of the soul. Our musical aims to offer the audience a deeper understanding of both Gibran’s work and the man behind it. We hope it will be both enjoyable and enlightening.”
Recently appointed an associate of the Royal Academy of Music where he trained in musical theatre, Naaman’s stage career includes starring roles in major productions including The Phantom of the Opera, and The Last Five Years.
In 2016 he topped the iTunes UK Vocal Chart with his second album Sides which featured a selection of classic musical theatre songs alongside his own self-penned music.
Angela Thomas
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