World Premiere Elvis Costello-Sarah Ruhl Musical A Face in the Crowd Opens in London September 20
Ramin Karimloo and Anoushka Lucas are starring in the musical adaptation of the 1957 film at London’s Young Vic Theatre.
Ramin Karimloo and Anoushka Lucas
The Young Vic’s world premiere Elvis Costello-Sarah Ruhl musical A Face in the Crowd officially opened September 20 at the London theatre after beginning previews September 12. Kwame Kwei-Armah is directing, the final production he is helming before stepping down as artistic director of the London theatre. Performances will continue through November 9.
Ramin Karimloo and Anoushka Lucas (Oklahoma!) lead the cast as Lonesone Rhodes and Marcia Jeffries, respectively. They’re joined by Jasmin Colangelo, Andrew Coshan, Stavros Demetraki, Olly Dobson, Emily Florence, Howard Gossington, Chris Jenkins, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Durone Stokes, Vicki Lee Taylor, Annie Wensak, and Bobby Windebank. Casting is by Heather Basten.
The story, adapted from Budd Schulberg’s original story and its 1957 film adaptation, follows a radio producer who gives a jailed drifter a spot on the airwaves only to find out the move is more than she bargained for. The work features music and lyrics by Costello and a book by Ruhl. The musical has been in the works for quite some time. A reading was held in New York in 2016, and Costello has been singing songs from the score in his concert engagements since at least 2015.
The production features production design by Anna Fleischle, lighting design by Jackie Shemesh, music supervision and direction by Phil Bateman, sound design by Emma Laxton, choreography by Lizzi Gee, and orchestrations by Will Stuart.
Tickets are on sale at YoungVic.org.