BritishTheatre

Published on

April 18, 2018

Are Bio-Musicals Taking Over Broadway and the West End?

By

douglasmayo

So many bio-musicals are either running, in preparation or about to open that we wondered just which life stories were about to hit the stage and which ones were still enduring.

Elton John Rocketman musical

ROCKETMAN - The Elton John Musical (Broadway/West End)

At a time when Elton John has announced that he is soon to retire from touring it's not inconceivable that this work which has been in development for a few years may soon have the subject's undivided attention to get it on stage. We've heard that the show will be based on the life story of one Reginald Dwight and his stage persona Elton John featuring songs from his extensive music catalogue with a book by Billy Elliot book writer Lee Hall.

Summer - The Donna Summer Musical

LaChanze, Ariana DeBose, and Storm Lever In Summer - The Donna Summer Musical. Photo: Kevin Berne SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL (Broadway)

Opening on Broadway on April 23, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical had a try out at the La Jolla Playhouse. Told through the dramatic lens of her final concert, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical presents the complexities and conflicts the famed songwriter and singer faced in her meteoric rise - and descent. The show will star Tony winner LaChanze, Ariana DeBose and Storm Lever will play Donna at different points throughout her career as 'Diva Donna', 'Disco Donna' and 'Duckling Donna'.  Summer: The Donna Summer Musical will have a book by Coleman Domingo and Des McAnuff, choreography by Serjio Trujillo and direction by McAnuff.

Ain't Too Proud Temptations Musical

AIN'T TOO PROUD - The Temptations Musical (Washington / Broadway)

The World Premiere of the Berkeley Repertory Theatre production of Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations will open at Washington's Kennedy Centre this June for it's pre-Broadway season. The show has a book by Dominique Morrisseau and is directed by two-time Tony winner Des McAnuff and choreographed by Olivier winner Sergio Trujillo. The musical follows The Temptations extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame.

Tina Turner Tickets

Adrienne Warren as Tina Turner.Ain't Too Proud TINA - The Tina Turner Musical (West End) From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them. This new stage musical, presented in association with Tina Turner herself, reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender and race. Tina is written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins and will be directed by Phyllida Lloyd, with choreography by Anthony van Laast. Adrienne Warren is playing Tina Turner. Book Now.

All Or Nothing

Chris Simmons and Carol Harrison with the 2017 tour cast of All or Nothing. Photo: Phil Weedon ALL OR NOTHING - The Small Faces Musical (London and On Tour) Carol Harrison - a one-woman force of nature has bought her love of British rock band The Small Faces to the London stage where she has Produced, written the book and appears in the show. No mean feat but brilliantly handled resulting in a fabulous bio-musical. Book Now

Motown The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre

The Cast Of Motown The Musical. Photo: Alastair Muir MOTOWN THE MUSICAL (West End / Broadway / Touring) With a book by Motown founder Berry Gordy and featuring songs from the Motown catalogue, Motown the musical was certainly not short of story and musical numbers to chose from when it was being devised. With a cast of characters including Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye amongst others, it's all the more incredible that it's a true story. Motown the musical has played Broadway and is now celebrating entering its second year in the West End whilst simultaneously preparing for a UK tour later this year. Book Now for West End or UK Tour

Beautiful The Carole King Musical UK Tour

The cast of Beautiful The Muiscal. Photo: Birgit Ralf Brinkhoff BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Broadway/West End/Australia/Touring) One of the world's most famous singer/songwriter's Carole King has a catalogue of songs that many would envy. Her album Tapestry alone would have provided enough material. Beautiful - The Carole King Musical has a book by Douglas McGrath. The show opened in 2013 and is now being presented around the world. The London season of the show recently closed and a UK tour is now underway. Book tickets for UK Tour or Broadway

Book now for Buddy the musical UK Tour

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

The story of iconic rocker Buddy Holly. Buddy has enjoyed worldwide success with long runs in the UK, Australia and the USA. Like many bio-musicals there's a tragic ending but some incredible music and a big all out rock fest at the end.

JOLSON

Jolson hadf an extensive run in London's West End starring Brian Conley. An incredible re-telling of the life of consumate showman Al Jolson, it's the ultimate showbiz story.

Jersey Boys Musical

The original London cast of Jersey Boys JERSEY BOYS Four guys from the streets of Jersey who made their way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jersey Boys has been enteratining audiences for years with some of the most iconic music and Rick Elice incredible book which tells the tale from the perspective of each of the band members. Book now for UK Tour

Of course this list is not comprehensive so keep an eye on this list as it gets updated.

 

 

 

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The British Theatre website has been established to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom.  Our ethos revolves around encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all its forms. The spirit of theatre is very much alive and the British Theatre website is at the forefront of delivering news and information to audiences and enthusiasts everywhere. Our team of theatre journalists and reviewers are working hard to cover productions and news.


We are constantly developing the site and are always open to receiving feedback from our readers. Join our mailing list to be kept informed of all the latest news that is of interest to you..

ABOUT BRITISHTHEATRE

BritishTheatre.com
Opening Night Media Ltd
3rd Floor, 80 St. Martin’s Lane
Covent Garden
London WC2N 4AA

The British Theatre website has been established to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom.  Our ethos revolves around encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all its forms. The spirit of theatre is very much alive and the British Theatre website is at the forefront of delivering news and information to audiences and enthusiasts everywhere. Our team of theatre journalists and reviewers are working hard to cover productions and news.


We are constantly developing the site and are always open to receiving feedback from our readers. Join our mailing list to be kept informed of all the latest news that is of interest to you..