Hope Mill Theatre’s Rags The Musical transfers to London

The acclaimed production of Rags The Musical at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester is coming to London.

It will transfer to Park Theatre for a limited run from 9 January to 8 February 2020, During the run, the theatre will host an evening with its lyricist Stephen Schwartz, best known for musicals such as Wicked, Pippin and Godspell. Rags The Musical also features music by Charles Strouse (Annie), an original book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof) and a revised book by David Thompson. It tells the heart-warming story of Jewish immigrant Rebecca, who, with her son David, travels from Russia to America in search of a better life. Rebecca must decide what matters more to her: staying true to her roots or adopting a new cultural identity in an attempt to “fit in”. Originally staged on Broadway in 1986, it was reworked with Thompson’s new book and new songs from Schwartz in 2017. It had its UK premiere at Hope Mill Theatre from 2 March to 6 April 2019, with Rebecca Trehearn as Rebecca. Casting for the London transfer is still to be announced. It is directed by Bronagh Lagan (Little Women, Broken Wings) with musical direction by Joe Bunker, orchestrations by Nick Barstow, choreography by Philip Michael Thomas, set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly, lighting design by Derek Anderson, sound design by James Nicholson and casting by Jane Deitch. The transfer is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Hope Mill Theatre in association with Knockhardy Productions and Park Theatre. It is presented by arrangement with MTI Europe. Hope Aria Productions has programmed An Evening With Stephen Schwartz on Sunday 12 January at Park Theatre, where the composer and lyricist will talk about his work and present a showcase of his most memorable numbers. His other shows include Children of Eden, The Baker’s Wife, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince of Egypt which has its UK premiere at London’s Dominion Theatre from 5 February 2020. Songs will be performed by artists from previous Aria Entertainment and Hope Mill Theatre productions. Tickets went on sale today (17 October).

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