Ginger Quiff Media has unveiled plans for the return of three hit digital productions: musicals Godspell 50th Anniversary Concert and Falling Stars, and the drama Little Wars.
Announcing the decision to make the three productions available online, Thomas Hopkins of Ginger Quiff Media said: “It’s an incredibly tough time for the industry, which once again finds itself in a state of limbo. We must continue to be resilient in the face of adversity, finding new ways to let quality entertainment and talent continue to thrive.
“Theatre is the perfect form of escapism and we’re thrilled to be able to contribute to this in some way with these amazing digital performances which will now reach a wider audience, both in the UK and internationally.”
Presented by Hopkins and Michael Quinn for Ginger Quiff Media in association with Hope Mill Theatre, the Godspell 5oth Anniversary Concert originally streamed worldwide at the end of August.
The production featured Ruthie Henshall (Chicago, Billy Elliot) and Darren Day (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) who took on the roles they previously played on the well-received 1993 studio recording of the show. The cast also included Ria Jones (Sunset Boulevard, High Society), Jenna Russell (Fun Home, The Bridges of Madison County), Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hanson), Jodie Steele (Six, Heathers), Danyl Johnson (2009 X Factor finalist), Jenny Fitzpatrick (Tina The Musical, Our House), Natalie Green (The Prince of Egypt, Hair), John Barr (The Story of Bart, Tommy), Sally Ann Triplett (Mamma Mia!, Viva Forever), Gerard McCarthy (Tina The Musical, Beautiful Thing), Alison Jiear (Jerry Springer: The Opera), Shekinah McFarlane (Six, Hair), Lucy Williamson (The Fix, Judy & Liza), Ronald Brian (Beautiful, The Carole King Musical, Newsies) and Jerome Bell (Hairspray).
Directed by award-winning Michael Strassen, individual cast members’ performances were filmed in their own homes and edited together with animation to form a unique concert version of the show. Musical direction is by George Carter with sound design by Cyrus Brandon and video design and editing by Ben Hewis.
One of the most distinctive musicals of the 1970s, and based on the parables of Jesus recounted in the Gospels of St Matthew and St Luke, Godspell was written by Stephen Schwartz.
Commenting on the production, the composer of hits including Wicked and The Prince of Egypt, said: “Godspell has always been a show that brings joy and hope to audiences. It seems to me this year, we need it more than ever! I hope this beautiful concert of Godspell helps to lift everyone’s spirits this holiday season.” Godspell 5oth Anniversary Concert became available via Broadway HD on 22 December.
Peter Polycarpou’s homage to the 1920s Falling Stars was originally streamed worldwide by stream.theatre in November. With the show’s re-scheduled performances at London’s Union Theatre now postponed again, the story of a long-lost songbook uncovered in a London antique shop will be made available to home viewers on the stream.theatre and broadwayondemand.com platforms from 1-14 February 2021.
Written and conceived by Polycarpou (Man of La Mancha, London Coliseum, City of Angels, Donmar Warehouse) who also stars alongside Sally Ann Triplett (Finding Neverland, Broadway, Viva Forever, Piccadilly Theatre), Falling Stars features the music of Charlie Chaplin, Irving Berlin, Buddy De-Silva, Ray Henderson, Vincent Youmans, Carl Schraubstader, Arthur Freed and Meredith Wilson.
Directed by Michael Strassen, the creative team also includes musical director and arranger Mark Dickman, associate director Paul Nicholas Dyke, lighting designer Andrew Exeter and production designer Jean Grey.
Falling Stars is produced by Thomas Hopkins & Michael Quinn for Ginger Quiff Media in association with Bailey Harris-Kelly and Guy Chapman.
Featuring critically-acclaimed performances from Linda Bassett and Juliet Stevenson, the previous streaming of Little Wars raised over £7,500 for Women For Refugee Women. Directed by Hannah Chissick, the all-star, all-female cast included Debbie Chazen, Natasha Karp, Catherine Russell, Sarah Solemani and Sophie Thompson.
Little Wars is produced by Thomas Hopkins & Michael Quinn for Ginger Quiff Media in association with Bailey Harris-Kelly and Guy Chapman. Tickets for the streaming 1-14 February 2021 can be purchased online at www.stream.theatre and www.broadwayondemand.com.
Angela Thomas
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