Aria Entertainment and Eilene Davidson Productions will present the world premiere of Claus The Musical at The Lowry in Salford next Christmas.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, the Wizard of Oz creator’s much-loved children’s book has been adapted for the stage by Simon Warne with music and lyrics from Andy Collyer.
Directed by Kate Golledge, the magical festive show will debut at The Lowry from 14 December 2022 until 8 January 2023. Full casting and creative details will be announced at a later date.
Unveiling details of the production Aria’s Katy Lipson said: “Claus is such a special and important piece to me. It’s a piece that reminds me of my fondest memories of seeing a musical for the first time.
“When I first heard this score by Andy Collyer, it inspired me to form my company Aria Entertainment so that I could one day produce it. I am therefore thrilled to finally be bringing this beautiful story to the stage in my hometown of Salford in partnership with Eilene Davidson Productions.”
Eilene Davidson added: “I’m delighted to be bringing to the stage this beautiful Christmas tale evoking magical childhood memories. I can’t wait to thrill a new generation with this spellbinding children’s musical written by L. Frank Baum who also brought the world the universally adored The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
First published in 1902, Baum’s book tells the story of a baby abandoned in the magical Forest of Burzee. Named Claus by Necile, the wood nymph who takes him in and showers him with love, the child grows to adulthood in an enchanted world where those around him teach him the value of kindness.
Stage and screenwriter Simon Warne and composer and arranger Adam Collyer previously worked together on The Toyboy Diaries. Based on the best-selling memoirs of Wendy Salisbury, the musical received its world premiere at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre in 2018.
Angela Thomas
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