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Friday, 1 November 2024

New ‘Little Women’ Musical ‘Jo’ to Record Concept Album at Abbey Road Studios Ahead of 2025 West End Premiere

A stunning new musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved Little Women is preparing for its world premiere in London’s West End in 2025. This fresh retelling, titled Jo- The Little Women Musical, brings Jo March’s journey to life through a rich, cinematic score by composer Dan Redfeld and compelling lyrics by Christina Harding and John Gabriel Koladziej. At the heart of this adaptation is Jo’s transformation of grief over her sister Beth’s loss into a powerful work of art, highlighting her growth as a writer and her enduring quest to capture the voice of her generation.

An all-star cast will bring this story to life on a concept album recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in January. Broadway and West End talent, including Grammy-nominated Christine Allado (Jo March), acclaimed singer Chris Mann (Professor Bhaer), and Disney Channel star Sophie Pollono (Amy March), will be joined by a 29-piece orchestra for the album produced by five-time Grammy nominee and three-time Emmy winner Nigel Wright. The Abbey Road recording represents a monumental first step, with several tracks and videos slated for release before the full album debuts.

Following the album’s release under Grammy-winning Center Stage Records, Jo- The Little Women Musical will take the West End stage in a semi-staged concert directed by JoAnn M. Hunter, known for her acclaimed work on Bad Cinderella and School of Rock. Excitement is building as lead producer Brian Purcell of 4 Times Entertainment, Inc., remarks:

We are honoured to be recording at Abbey Road Studios, where some of the world’s most iconic music has been created. The journey of Jo March will soon come to life for a global audience with unparalleled artistry and ambition.”

With its innovative direction, profound storytelling, and high-caliber cast and production team, Jo- The Little Women Musical promises to deliver a timeless narrative infused with fresh, emotional depth and will likely resonate with audiences across generations. Final dates and ticketing information for the West End concert will be announced soon, making this a show to watch.

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Saturday, 13 January 2018

Strangers in Between, Trafalgar Studios | Review

Strangers in Between
Trafalgar Studios
Reviewed on Friday 12th January 2018 by Shaun Dicks
★★★★★

As a member of the LGBT community we all face our fair share of struggles. One of those struggles is the loss of family, whether its you leaving them or they sever ties with you. Strangers in Between tackles the subject of creating your own family with wit, humour and wonderful storytelling. It’s the story of Shane, a 16-year-old boy who runs away from his home and family in suburban Australia to Kings Cross, Sydney. The story follows Shane as he tries to navigate these new surroundings and new friends whilst carrying old baggage.

The story and message is a very relatable one; one that is very well crafted by Tommy Murphy. Murphy’s crafting of the story and characters is genius, the script is witty and humorous without even trying. The writing is outstanding, modern scriptwriters please take note. The direction from Adam Spreadbury-Maher is masterful, the show being slick, punchy without being over bearing.

Now we come to the cast. No words can be used to describe how outstanding the all-male cast of three are. You can tell that the relationship between them is strong. They are comfortable with each other and they have an undeniable chemistry. Roly Botha as Shane was truly endearing, creating a gem of a character. Dan Hunter as Will/Ben was charming as Will but complex as Ben. Hunter’s ability to change between roles was brilliant. The best I’ve saved until last, Stephen Connery-Brown as haggard old queen with a heart, Peter was simply perfection. Peter was witty, humorous, serious, kind and loving; the complete character. Connery-Brown isn’t just talented, he is an actor young performers should look up to. He gives a masterclass on how theatre should be done. These men took this script, ran with it and then some.

As a gay man myself, I relate to this story. It didn’t make me feel just for a second but a very long while. It made me emotional and think for hours after the show. That is a signifier that it is excellent theatre. The Kings Head Theatre is renowned for producing brilliant LGBT theatre, Strangers In Between falls into that bracket and is more than deserving of its West End transfer to Trafalgar Studios. Everyone needs to see this show. Support the wonderful Kings Head Theatre, support Strangers In Between. It deserves to be seen. It deserves to be recognised. It is the best thing you will see.

Tell your friends, family and work colleagues. Everyone needs to see Strangers In Between!

Strangers in Between runs at the Trafalgar Studios until 3rd February 2018

photo credit: Scott Rylander

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