2017 Musings to Come
2016 has been a great year for theatre but there is plenty in store in 2017. Here I have picked out several of the shows to watch out for!
Hamilton
For many Musical Theatre fans this show needs no introduction. Tickets go on sale for general release on the 30th January (pre-sale 16/1/17) but isn’t due to open until November at the Palace Theatre. The show has been a huge huge success on Broadway and the show is sold out about 8 months in advance! The show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the US Founding Fathers. In theory the music is rap however for those that have listened to the cast recording they will know that this is an over simplistic description. One thing that is for sure is that with the hype that is already about for it this show well sell so prepare to be sitting by your computer pressing refresh on the 30/1/17 if you want tickets.
Lizzie
Lizzie is running at the Greenwich Theatre from 22nd February – 12th March. It is a brand new gothic rock musical, described as ‘genuine hard rock combined with exciting story telling.’ Its story focuses on a small Mew England City in 1892 when a prominant businessman and wife were axed to death in their home. Their daughter Lizzie was the prime suspect and her trial was a media sensation.
Stepping Out
Stepping out tells of 8 individuals who find themselves in a church hall for weekly tap classes. As the weeks go on their skills improve leading to a performance at a charity gala. Amanda Holden is the big name to front this show.
This is a classic show that many will be familiar with via the movie, previous productions or even local amateur versions, however it will be interesting to see this done on a big scale!
Stepping out previews from the 1st March 2017 and is booking until the 17th June at the Vaudeville Theatre.
The Life
The Life is one that us currently flying slightly under the radar but due to it’s credentials I couldn’t miss it off my list. It is by composer Cy Coleman (City of Angels, Sweet Charity, Barum), directed by Michael Blakemore and the UK premier is on at the Southwark Playhouse (one of my favourite venues) from 25th March – 29th April.
It tells of Times Square before it was cleaned up with young girl, Queen and a Vietnam war veteran Fleetwood. Queen is forced into Prostitution before being helped by her friend Sonja.
American In Paris
A show perfect for those that like the old time glamour of classic dance based shows. Based on the 1951 film of the same name the show will run at the Dominion from the 4th March and is booking until the 30th September. The show was a success on Broadway including a Tony for it’s choreography and the hype is already building here. I for one can’t wait to see the production images as I’m sure some jaw dropping costumes and beautiful dance holds will be revealed.
42nd Street
2017 looks set to be a big year for the classics, as 42nd Street adds to this list. Previews begin on the 20th March 2017 and it is booking through until the 22nd July at the Theatre Royal Dury Lane. This is another one for those that love a big production number!
The Wind In the Willows
It’s not secret that I am a fan of Stiles & Drewe and therefore I couldn’t leave this off the list with them on lyrics and composition for this and joined by Julian Fellowes the creative team look stellar.
It is on at the Palladium from the 17th June – 9th September and Rufus Hound has already been lined up to play Toad.
Wonderland: The Musical
Wonderland is a musical by Frank Wildhorn and is an adaptation of Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. It sets off on its tour on the 20th January from Edinburgh covering most of the country. I’m personally hoping to see it at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley during March. Kerry Ellis will grace some venues as Alice.
A few other tours excite me this year and this includes the Wedding Singer tour, Rent starting it’s tour following a huge success at St James/ the Other Palace,
There are plenty of other shows rumoured to be hitting the UK during 2017 from Young Frankenstein, The Adams Family and The Band (see BBC1 adverts with Gary Barlow). I’m also keeping my fingers crossed for transfers such at The Waitress and Finding Neverland. What would you like to see hit the UK in 2017? Have you booked for any of the above shows?? I’d love to hear from you.