GOSSIP: Pretty Woman musical to open on Broadway in 2017 directed by Jerry Mitchell?

Speaking to Vanity Fair, director Garry Marshall has suggested a musical version of his romantic comedy Pretty Woman could open on Broadway in "the fall or spring of 2017". 

Marshall and his creative team are apparently honing their material for the long-rumoured musical. 

Marshall is adapting Pretty Woman for the stage with J.F. Lawton who is the author of the original screenplay. The score is by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Kinky Boots' Jerry Mitchell will reportedly direct the musical. 

Creative team announced for NBC’s Hairspray LIVE

Details have been announced for NBC’s Hairspray LIVE.

The broadcast will be directed by Kenny Leon who helmed The Wiz LIVE last year. 

Harvey Fierstein, who won a Tony Award for his performance as Edna Turnblad on Broadway, will adapt the book whilst original choreographer Jerry Mitchell (pictured) has also joined the creative team.

Hairspray LIVE will be broadcast in the U.S. on Wednesday 7th December; it is unknown whether the show will follow the footsteps of FOX's Grease LIVE and be shown in the UK. Casting is yet to be announced.

Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 20th October 2015
★★★★

Following a year-long West End run, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is now dazzling audiences around the UK. Set in the French Riviera, the musical - which opened on Broadway in 2005 - follows two conmen as they go head to head to pull off their biggest con, whilst fighting for the affections of millionaire soap heiress Christine Colgate.

Review: Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre

Kinky Boots 
Adelphi Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 12th September 2015
★★★★★

Everybody say YEAH - a musical with heaps of heart, irresistible style, killer songs and a sensational cast has opened in London's glittering West End! Kinky Boots transfers from Broadway where it opened in 2013, winning six Tony Awards including Best Musical.

GOSSIP: Jerry Mitchell workshopping musical version of Terry Ronald's Becoming Nancy with Sophie Louise-Dann

Back in January 2014, director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell exclusively revealed to West End Frame that he was working on a musical version of Terry Ronald's novel Becoming Nancy.

"I’m actually working on a new show" he told West End Frame at a press event for his production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, "I’ve got the rights to a British book I read on the plane called Becoming Nancy by Terry Ronald who just did Denise Van Outen’s new show."

"It’s an amazing, amazing story about accepting people for who they really are and also about how the adults work around these two children" Mitchell continued, "I’m really looking forward to developing it into a full musical!"

Now the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has said that Mitchell is workshopping the show with Sophie Louise-Dann who recently starred in Made In Dagenham and is currently appearing in Bend It Like Beckham. 

GOSSIP: Sheridan Smith, Alex Gaumond & Jerry Mitchell reunite for Easter Parade workshop?

Sheridan Smith & Alex Gaumond in Legally Blonde

According to the Daily Mail, Sheridan Smith is in discussions to star in a workshop of Easter Parade by Irving Berlin. 

Jerry Mitchell will direct the workshop which is being produced by ATG. Alex Gaumond will also star in the workshop. He previously starred alongside Sheridan Smith in  Jerry Mitchell's production of Legally Blonde. 

Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 
Savoy Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 18th November 2014

★★★★

It just keeps getting better and better! I loved Dirty Rotten Scoundrels when it first opened, but eight months later it is slicker and funnier than ever. Set in the French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels follows two conmen as they go head to head to pull off their biggest con, whilst fighting for the affections of millionaire soap heiress Christine Colgate.

Alex Gaumond replaces Rufus Hound in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

It has been confirmed that Rufus Hound has left the West End production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and will be replaced by Alex Gaumond.

Gaumond begins performances as Freddy Benson at the Savoy Theatre from Tuesday 11th November 2014, joining Robert Lindsay, Katherine Kingsley, Bonnie Langford and Gary Wilmot. The Daily Mail reports various reasons for Hound's exit. He is apparently filming a movie in Scotland and could have left the show following disagreements with Lindsay. 

Alex Gaumond most recently starred as Miss Trunchbull in the West End production of Matilda. He previously worked with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell when he starred in Legally Blonde. His West End credits also include We Will Rock You and Top Hat.

Big Interview: Lizzy Connolly, starring in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Lizzy Connolly is currently starring as Jolene Oakes in the West End premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre. Marking her West End debut, Lizzy is working alongside an all-star cast in Jerry Mitchell’s production, including Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound, Samantha Bond, John Marquez and Katherine Kingsley

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is the inaugural production for Jerry Mitchell Productions. The show is based on the legendary 1988 film which famously starred Michael Caine and Steve Martin. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 but has since been reconceived and reimagined for British audiences.

Lizzy’s theatre credits include: WAG The Musical (Charing Cross Theatre), Jill in From Up Here (Tristan Bates Theatre) and The Boys From Syracuse (Union Theatre). I recently went backstage at the Savoy Theatre to speak to Lizzy about why she’s having the time of her life in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels… 

It sounds like you’re having an amazing time, what has the experience been like so far?

I feel like I’m in an unbelievably lucky position because of the people I’m working with! It is like a dream come true! Working with Jerry Mitchell was just out of this world because his vibe and energy really makes you feel like you’re part of something special. He lifts the whole cast and creates such a buzz which is infectious. 

Jerry Mitchell to direct Gloria Estefan musical On Your Feet! on Broadway

It has been announced that On Your Feet! - a new musical based on the life story of seven-time Grammy-winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, legendary producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan - will premiere on Broadway in Fall 2015 following a Summer 2015 world premiere engagement in Chicago.

On Your Feet! will be directed by Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots/Legally Blonde), and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis) with a book by Alexander Dinelaris (The Bodyguard Musical, Zanna Don't). 

On Your Feet! is the story of two people who-through an unwavering dedication to one another and their pursuit of the American dream-showcased their talent, their music and their heritage to the world in a remarkable rise to global superstardom. Set to Gloria's chart-topping, smash hits such as "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, "1-2-3," "Mi Tierra," and "Conga," in addition to new music penned by the Estefans, the show will bring a new sound to Broadway and get audiences on their feet.

Broadway Review: Kinky Boots - "The best feel-good show since Legally Blonde"

Andy Kelso & Billy Porter / Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

Kinky Boots

The Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 9th April 2014 (matinee)

Billy Porter & Daniel Stewart Sherman
Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

Kinky Boots is an empowering, inspiring, uplifting and fun musical which hit me with a breath of fresh air. Based on the 2005 movie (which I have never seen), the show follows Charlie Price as he inherits his father's shoe factory which is on the verge of bankruptcy. 

Determined to live up to his father's legacy and to provide job security for his employees, Charlie realises he has to come up with something new. After finding inspiration in the form of Lola (whose birth name is Simon), Charlie discovers his niche market - creating sturdy stilettos for drag queens. 

It's fascinating to watch the unlikely friendship between Charlie and Lola unfold; the pair have a strange connection which is quite endearing. Of course love troubles are also thrown into the mix, with Charlie's relationship in crisis and factory worker Lauren discovering she has a huge crush on her boss…

I haven't had so much fun in a theatre for a very long time. Cyndi Lauper's score is an absolute revelation - it's hit after hit after hit. It's a new, edgy sound for musical theatre but works a treat. The show features some of the most catchy musical theatre songs ever written as well as a handful of big ballads with touching lyrical content. I have been listening to the cast album on repeat.

Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Savoy Theatre

Reviewed on Saturday 29th March 2014

Filling the gap left behind by Singin' In The Rain and Top Hat, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels feels like a timeless classic, despite only receiving its first run ten years ago. This is not only down to the warm humour and elegant style, but also as the entire show is so slick - it's as if Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has been running in the West End for years.

The production's director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell must be commended. He insisted the show had a thorough tech period and two Broadway style out of town tryouts which has clearly benefited the production hugely as every detail is polished and fine-tuned.

Set in the French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels follows two conmen as they go head to head to pull off their biggest con, whilst fighting for the affections of millionaire soap heiress Christine Colgate.

Funnily enough, at times Dirty Rotten Scoundrels reminded me of Mitchell's most recent West End production, Legally Blonde (which I adored). Both shows are American but behold a British charm. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels works a treat with British audiences. Sadly I didn't see the show on Broadway, but I suspect Mitchell has injected British appeal into the show. He certainly deserves several awards for his terrific direction and divine choreography.

EXCLUSIVE: Jerry Mitchell working on musical version of Terry Ronald's Becoming Nancy!

Robert Lindsay & Jerry Mitchell

Broadway Director/Choreographer Jerry Mitchell revealed to West End Frame that he is working on a musical version of Terry Ronald's novel Becoming Nancy during yesterday's press launch of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. 

"I’m actually working on a new show" he said, "I’ve got the rights to a British book I read on the plane called Becoming Nancy by Terry Ronald who just did Denise Van Outen’s new show."

Published in March 2012, Becoming Nancy follows David Starr who is cast as Nancy in his school's production of Oliver. When rehearsals begin he falls in love with Maxie Boswell who plays Bill Sikes and is captain of the school football team. 

"It’s an amazing, amazing story about accepting people for who they really are and also about how the adults work around these two children" Jerry said, "I’m really looking forward to developing it into a full musical!"

Interview: Jerry Mitchell & Katherine Kingsley

Yesterday press were given a sneak peek at the West End premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which opens at the Savoy Theatre in March following two short regional runs in Manchester and Aylesbury. 

After watching the cast perform four terrific numbers from the show, I sat down with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Director and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell (pictured right) and leading lady Katherine Kingsley to discuss the amazing high energy rehearsal room vibe, Katherine’s big number ‘Here I Am’ and why Jerry, who also choreographed the Broadway production in 2005, thinks the musical is most suited to British audiences.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which also stars Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound, Samantha Bond and John Marquez, is the inaugural production for Jerry Mitchell Productions.

Jerry Mitchell is currently one of the greatest Director/Choreographer in the world, recently winning a Tony Award for choreographing Kinky Boots on Broadway. He made his Broadway and West End debuts as Director and Choreographer of the Olivier award winning Legally Blonde the Musical. His other credits as a choreographer include: the Broadway productions of Catch Me If You Can, Gypsy, The Rocky Horror Show and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and the West End productions of Love Never Dies, La Cage aux Folles (winning Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics’ Circle Awards), Hairspray and The Full Monty.

Katherine Kingsley (pictured left) most recent starred as Helena alongside Sheridan Smith and David Walliams in Michael Grandage’s production of A Midsummer Nightʼs Dream (Noel Coward) and played Lina Lamont in Singinʼ In The Rain (Chichester Festival /Palace) for which she was nominated for the 2012 Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Just a few of her other theatre credits include: Relative Values (Bath Theatre Royal), The 24 Hour Musical Celebrity Gala (Old Vic), Heart To Heart (Minerva, Chichester), The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee (Donmar), Aspects Of Love (Menier), The 39 Steps (Liverpool Playhouse/UK Tour), Piaf! (Donmar/Vaudeville, nominated for 2009 Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical) and High Society (Shaftesbury).

I loved the preview performance, the show is really taking shape! How are you feeling?

KK: It was great! It was a daunting thing to do!

JM: It was very good, if only I could get that John Marquez to get it together, I don’t know what to do with him!

KK: I know, that John Marquez is being a real diva [both laugh].

Full casting announced for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre

Full casting has been announced for the West End premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Earlier this morning it was revealed that Samantha Bond will play Muriel Eubanks, a glamorous divorcee looking for love in Beaumont-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. John Marquez has been cast as Andre Thibault, Beaumont-sur-Mer’s Chief of Police.

They join the previously announced Robert Lindsay and Rufus Hound as conmen Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson competing for the riches (and even the heart) of the young impressionable heiress, Christine Colgate played by Katherine Kingsley.

Samantha Bond joins Robert Lindsay in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

The Daily Mail have announced that Downton Abbey star Samantha Bond has been cast in her first West End musical. The actress will star in Jerry Mitchell's production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels which opens at the Savoy Theatre next year.

Speaking to Baz Bamigboye, Bond admitted that she found auditioning for Mitchell "absolutely terrifying". She stood and sang with her back to him. She said: "It was bum-clenching! I hadn’t sung in a show since I was Principal Boy in Mother Goose in Bristol, when I was 22. Inside my heart, there’s a 12-year-old girl who has always wanted to be Ginger Rogers." 

She has been cast as Muriel, an American divorcee living on the French Riviera who comes into contact with a team of con artists who cheat wealthy women out of their trust funds. It is believed Samantha will try and manage filming Downton Abbey around her theatre schedule.

Jerry Mitchell to direct exploratory reading of 'But I'm a Cheerleader: The Musical', full casting announced

It has been announced that 'But I'm a Cheerleader: The Musical', based on the 1999 Lionsgate cult motion picture, will receive its first London presentation in the form of an exploratory reading on Friday 6th December 2013. 

The London reading will be led by Jerry Mitchell, whose recent work includes the Broadway productions of Kinky Boots (Tony Award Winner for Best Choreography), La Cage aux Folles (Tony Award Winner for Best Choreography), Legally Blonde and Hairspray. Jerry is also directing and choreographing the forthcoming West End production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Jerry Mitchell said: "But I’m a Cheerleader is an important, fun and infectious new musical about being who you are and never being afraid of that truth. I can’t wait to tell this story." 

Gareth Gates & Jennifer Ellison join the touring cast of the magnificent show that is Legally Blonde The Musical!

Gareth Gates and Jennifer Ellison joined the cast of the UK touring production of Legally Blonde The Musical tonight as ‘Warner’ and ‘Paulette’. Faye Brooks continues to star in the role of ‘Elle’ and Iwan Lewis plays ‘Emmett’.

Gareth has starred in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End), Les Miserables (25th Anniversary tour and West End) and Loserville (West Yorkshire Playhouse). He will also be appearing in Momentous Musicals at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Thursday 19th July 2012.