Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre will stage the world premiere of a musical based on the hit 1990s film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.
Written and directed by the screenwriter of the original film, multiple Tony Award-nominee Douglas Carter Beane, with music and lyrics by Lewis Flinn, To Wong Foo The Musical will play a limited nine-week season at the Manchester venue from 21 October. Casting will be by Sarah Leung with artwork designed by Feast Creative.
Commenting on the production, Carter Beane said: “I am so thrilled to bring the world premiere of To Wong Foo The Musical, not only to the UK, but to the wonderful Hope Mill Theatre and Manchester. When I wrote this story back in the 90s, it was always a theatre show in my mind, and fortunately for me, Steven Spielberg and Beeban Kidron thought it would make a great movie. But, for me it was always the ambition to bring it to the stage and I’m so happy it’s finally happening.
“Although the musical continues to be an homage to drag, 90s New York and the amazing individuals who made it such a vibrant place to be, it is even more politically relevant today than ever before as censorship and condemnation of drag is unfortunately on the rise in the United States. I hope this show connects with new audiences as it did way back then… come along for the ride!”
Hope Mill Theatre’s artistic director Joseph Houston added: “We are honoured to be producing the musical world premiere of this fabulously camp movie. To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar really brought drag to a mainstream audience in a massive way and as a queer piece of movie history, was truly ground-breaking.
“To be working so closely with Doug and having him direct is also a huge honour. To Wong Foo as a piece of work has always been destined to be told on stage and as a musical. Those that know and love the film can expect all of those brilliant one-liners, supported by a score that is a little bit club, a little bit country, a little bit musical theatre, but a whole lot of attitude. And for those experiencing the show for the first time, welcome to the drag-fantasy-musical-extravaganza, that is To Wong Foo!”
The cast and full creative team will be announced at a later date.
Starring Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo as three New York drag queens on a road trip, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar was the first major Hollywood movie to feature drag queens as the main protagonists. Directed by Beeban Kidron, the feel-good musical comedy featured a number of eye-catching cameos including from Naomi Campbell, Quentin Crisp, RuPaul, Robin Williams and Julie Newmar herself.
Angela Thomas
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