Opening Night | |
---|---|
A New Musical | |
Music | Rufus Wainwright |
Lyrics | Rufus Wainwright |
Book | Ivo van Hove |
Basis |
Opening Night by John Cassavetes |
Premiere | 6 March 2024 Gielgud Theatre, London : |
Productions | 2024 West End |
Opening Night is a stage musical with music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright and conceived and book by Ivo van Hove. It is based on the 1977 film of the same name by John Cassavetes, which van Hove has also previously adapted as a play in 2005.[ citation needed]
On 13 November 2023, it was announced that the musical is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End with Sheridan Smith as Myrtle. The show began previews on 6 March 2024. Van Hove directs with Jan Versweyveld designing set, lighting and video. [1] [2] [3] Further casting was announced on 14 December 2023 including Nicola Hughes as Sarah, Benjamin Walker as Maurice, Amy Lennox as Dorothee, Shira Haas as Nancy, Hadley Fraser as Manny and John Marquez as David. [4] One of the scenes takes place in the street outside the theatre with the scene being shown on screens to the audience inside. [5]
Originally scheduled to run through 27 July, the show is now scheduled to close on 18 May, 2024. [6] Although Smith's performance was widely praised, the show had mixed reviews. [7]
Characters | West End [8] |
---|---|
2024 | |
Myrtle | Sheridan Smith |
Sarah | Nicola Hughes |
Maurice | Benjamin Walker |
Dorothee | Amy Lennox |
Nancy | Shira Haas |
Manny | Hadley Fraser |
David | John Marquez |
Kelly | Rebecca Thornhill |
Carla | Cilla Sylvia |
Leo | Ian Mclarnon |
Gus | Jos Slovick |