From Dirty Dancing to Wicked: a look-ahead to London's 2006 musical highlights
Wicked, Avenue Q, Caroline or Change, Evita and Spamalot join a long list of musical productions opening in 2006...
Show: Whistle Down The Wind
Venue: Palace Theatre
First preview: 15th March
Opening night: 28th March
Closes: 12th August (limited season only)
Prices: £10 - £45
Cast includes: Tim Rogers (The Man), Clare Marlowe (Swallow)
Creative: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music), Jim Steinman (lyrics), Bill Kenwright (director and producer), Paul Farnsworth (design)
Trivia: The originAl West End production of Whistle Down The Wind ran at the Aldwych Theatre from July 1998 – January 2001. This revival production, not to be confused with the original, has been touring the UK extensively since 2002. Whistle Down the Wind actually replaces another Lloyd Webber - The Woman in White – and precedes the Broadway import Spamalot (see below for more information).
Website: www.kenwright.com/index.php?page=shows&id=82
Show: Movin' Out
Venue: Apollo Victoria
First preview: 28th March
Opening night: 10th April
Closes: 17th July (limited season only)
Prices: £16 - £55
Cast includes: James Fox (the Piano Man), Holly Cruickshank (Brenda), Ron Todorowski (Eddie), David Gomez (Tony), Matthew Dibble (James), Laura Costa-Chaud (Judy), plus alternates
Creative: Billy Joel (music and lyrics), Tywla Tharp (director, choreographer and conceiver)
Trivia: Playing on Broadway for 1300 performances, Movin' Out visits London as part of an international tour. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards in 2003, winning two for orchestrations and choreography. James Fox was the British entrant into the European Song Contest in 2004 after appearing on BBC's Fame Academy in 2003.
Website: www.movinout.co.uk
Show: Mack and Mabel
Venue: Criterion Theatre
First preview: 5th April
Opening night: 10th April
Closes: 22nd July (limited season only)
Prices: £15 - £45
Cast includes: David Soul (Mack), Janie Dee (Mabel)
Creative: John Doyle (director), Jerry Herman (music and lyrics), Michael Stewart (book), Francine Pascal (revised book), Mark Bailey (design)
Trivia: John Doyle is the acclaimed director behind current Broadway hit Sweeney Todd (which originated at the same venue as Mack and Mabel). He is currently directing Company with Raúl Esparza in Cincinnati. His unique style sees the actors playing musical instruments as well as acting and singing.
Website: www.mackandmabel.co.uk
