Wednesday, 30 October 2024
Initial West End Casting Announced for Clueless the Musical
Exciting news for fans of Clueless- the beloved ’90s classic is coming to the West End stage in a fresh new musical adaptation! Emma Flynn (Beautiful, Little Shop of Horrors) will make her West End debut in the iconic role of Cher Horowitz, joined by Keelan McAuley (Heathers, Grease) as Josh. Both actors are thrilled to breathe new life into these characters, with Flynn sharing her excitement to continue Alicia Silverstone’s legacy, saying:
I can’t wait for audiences to rediscover Cher’s wit and heart in a whole new way.”
Meanwhile, McAuley looks forward to channeling the charm of Paul Rudd’s original Josh, especially as he brings a new musical twist to the role.
Fans can already get a taste of the musical's vibe with the release of 'New Girl', a track featuring Flynn alongside KT Tunstall, who composed the original score. Tunstall, known for her hit songs 'Suddenly I See' and 'Black Horse and the Cherry Tree', collaborated with three-time Tony Award nominee Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act) to bring a contemporary, ’90s-inspired sound to the West End. Together, they capture the upbeat, fun-loving spirit of the original film with a fresh score that combines nostalgic ’90s pop with today’s musical stylings.
Amy Heckerling, the original writer-director of Clueless, is thrilled to see her characters return to the spotlight, noting:
I’m thrilled for Emma to bring her own take on Cher’s unforgettable charm and Keelan to make Josh his own.”
This production is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh (Chichester Festival Theatre, Regent’s Park Open Air) and choreographed by Olivier Award winner Kelly Devine (Come From Away), making it a high-energy show packed with humour, iconic fashion, and plenty of heart.
Set in Beverly Hills High, Clueless The Musical brings audiences back to the world of Cher, a matchmaking fashionista who’s trying to help her new friend Tai fit in with the cool crowd. But when her own world starts to get a little complicated, Cher finds herself on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. With its fun plot, memorable characters, and catchy tunes, Clueless promises to be a majorly cool addition to the West End.
Casting Announced for Cyrano at Park Theatre
Cyrano, the Fringe First award-winning, gender-flipped retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, is set to light up Park Theatre, London, from December 11, 2024, to January 11, 2025, following a sold-out European premiere at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre. Written and performed by Australian actress and playwright Virginia Gay (Colin from Accounts, Winners & Losers), this reimagining redefines the classic with bold humour, heartfelt romance, and a fresh modern sensibility. Joining Gay as Cyrano are Jessica Whitehurst (Ridley, The Comedy of Errors) as Roxanne and Joseph Evans (Coronation Street) in his stage debut as Yan, alongside Tessa Wong, David Tarkenter, and Tanvi Virmani.
Directed by Clare Watson, Cyrano combines humour, aching romance, and musical interludes to tell the story of Cyrano, a witty wordsmith who conceals a personal shame behind her sparkling intelligence and charm. Cyrano, captivated by the brilliant and beautiful Roxanne, finds herself in a love triangle when Roxanne falls for Yan, a man with looks but few words. As Cyrano pours her heart out under the guise of Yan’s voice, she creates an unforgettable rom-com for the ages- filled with wit, longing, and the undeniable magic of theatre.
Described as “big-hearted, irreverent, and joyous,” Gay’s Cyrano is a tribute to hope, the search for connection, and the beauty of language. It’s an ode to the timeless power of theatre and its ability to draw out both laughter and tears.
Tuesday, 29 October 2024
'Come Alive!' The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular to take part in a special performance for BBC Children in Need 2024
For the second consecutive year, BBC Children in Need and The One Show are bringing back the Challenge Squad, a group of inspiring young people whose lives have been transformed thanks to BBC Children in Need funding. This year’s squad features 16-year-old Ethan from Bridgend, Wales, who lives with Hurler Syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting his growth, bones, hearing, and vision. Despite these challenges, Ethan found hope and passion through UCAN, a BBC Children in Need-supported arts charity for visually impaired youth, where he discovered a love for performing arts that has boosted his confidence and mental well-being.
On The One Show, Ethan learned from his mentor Alex Jones that he will take the stage in COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular during the 2024 BBC Children in Need appeal show, marking an incredible milestone in his journey. Directed by Simon Hammerstein and inspired by The Greatest Showman, the performance will feature all the beloved songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Ethan’s excitement was palpable as he shared:
I’m being a part of Challenge Squad because I want to do this to show disabled people that we don’t need to be on the sidelines anymore – we can be out there with everybody… Acting has given me my confidence, and now I want to give back, so if you can give anything, please do.”
The COME ALIVE! team also expressed their excitement, stating:
We are incredibly honoured to take part in BBC Children in Need 2024 and welcome Ethan into the COME ALIVE! family for this special performance. The magic of this show is all about embracing your true self and finding your voice, and Ethan's journey embodies that spirit spectacularly. We can’t wait to share this unforgettable moment with him and all the viewers tuning in for such a meaningful cause.”
Viewers can follow Ethan’s story on The One Show as he prepares for his big performance, leading up to the BBC Children in Need appeal on Friday, November 15, 2024. This heartwarming moment promises to be a highlight of this year’s fundraiser, showcasing the power of resilience and the incredible impact of community support.
photo credit: Luke Dyson
13 Going on 30 - The Musical Premieres in Manchester in 2025!
Get ready to be swept back into the whimsical world of 13 Going on 30 as it transforms from beloved rom-com to musical in a world premiere at Manchester Opera House. This limited season debut kicks off on September 21st, 2025, and promises a nostalgic, magical experience for fans and newcomers alike. Based on the 2004 hit starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, 13 Going on 30- The Musical is written by the original film’s writers, Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, and directed by award-winning Andy Fickman (Heathers, She’s The Man). Goldsmith and Yuspa have crafted a fresh adaptation for the stage, working alongside songwriters Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary (First Date, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) to give Jenna Rink’s story a new dimension.
The story follows 13-year-old Jenna, a quirky, awkward middle schooler who feels trapped in the struggles of high school social life. When she wishes to skip ahead to adulthood, Jenna magically wakes up “thirty, flirty, and thriving” with the glamorous job of editor at a high-end fashion magazine. But adulthood proves to be more complex than she imagined, and as Jenna uncovers the life she’s built, she goes on a journey of self-discovery, realizing what- and who- she left behind. With its signature mix of comedy, romance, and heart, 13 Going on 30 explores timeless themes of friendship, identity, and staying true to yourself, making it perfect for a new generation to experience on stage.
Goldsmith and Yuspa, who also wrote the musical’s book, are thrilled to revisit the story, marking the 20th anniversary of the original film. They shared their excitement, saying:
When we wrote the movie 13 Going on 30, we never dreamt that on the film’s 20th anniversary, we’d get the chance to see a whole new generation fall in love with Razzles and feel thirty, flirty, and thriving. It’s been a joy to work with ROYO, Revolution Studios, songwriters Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and director Andy Fickman to bring this story to life as a stage musical. We were thrilled by the audience’s response to our workshop last year, and now we can’t wait to officially open in Manchester at the legendary Opera House- the launchpad of so many iconic musicals. So bring your family, your friends, maybe a date, or just come alone- don’t be shy, we’re all nice. Hope you have as much fun seeing the show as we had making it!”
Tickets go on sale at exactly 1:30 PM on November 13th, so set your reminder to grab yours early for this must-see production. With the Manchester Opera House’s legacy as the launchpad of iconic musicals, anticipation is high for this adaptation to make its mark. The full casting has yet to be announced, but with a powerhouse team behind it and plenty of musical talent, 13 Going on 30- The Musical promises to captivate fans of all ages with fresh songs, heartwarming themes, and the classic charm of Jenna Rink’s journey. So bring your friends, family, or just yourself to join in on the fun, laughter, and a little bit of magic at 13 Going on 30- The Musical- an exciting new chapter for a modern classic.
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