Kerry Ellis will star in the long-awaited UK premiere of the Tony-nominated If/Then early next year.
Created by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning team behind the hit rock musical Next to Normal – Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey – the musical which was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Original Score in 2014 will make its UK debut as a staged concert at the Savoy Theatre on 10 February 2025.
Acclaimed award-winning director Bill Buckhurst (101 Dalmatians The Musical, Sister Act, The Time Traveller’s Wife) will direct the production which will feature musical staging by Olivier Award nominee Alistair David (Kiss Me, Kate, Show Boat) and music direction from the acclaimed Michael England (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables).
Ellis will follow fellow Wicked alumni Idina Menzel by taking on the central role of Elizabeth, a city planner returning to New York to rebuild her life in the wake of a recent divorce.
An award winner for her performance as the first British Elphaba in Wicked and the originator of the role of Meat in We Will Rock, Ellis has starred in some of the West End’s biggest hits including Miss Saigon, My Fair Lady, Les Misérables and Anything Goes.
Commenting on her latest role, Ellis said: “I am so excited to be involved in this wonderful project – what a dream! The music is stunning, and the story is extremely touching; experiencing it at the Savoy Theatre will be magical. Playing the role of Elizabeth, a strong, modern, working woman faced with everyday real-life choices and decisions that are universally relatable to audiences, is particularly thrilling. I cannot wait!”
Looking forward to the show’s London debut, co-creator Yorkey said: “I’m thrilled that West End audiences will get to experience If/Then in concert. It’s a show and a set of songs that are very personal to Tom and me, and we’re honoured to have this group of fabulous singers bring them to life.”
Co-creator Kitt added: “If/Then is a very special and personal show, filled with some of my favourite songs that Brian and I have written together. I couldn’t be more thrilled that it will be having its UK concert debut with this phenomenal group of artists, led by the incredible Kerry Ellis.”
There will be limited meet and greet tickets with Kerry Ellis available.
Further casting will be announced at a later date.
If/Then is produced by Adam Blanshay Productions and Daniel Hinchliffe in association with the Savoy Theatre and is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Angela Thomas
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