Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson’s musical will play a limited run at the Charing Cross Theatre from the 29th October.
It has been confirmed the musical, based on the classic novel by James Jones, will be presented in a brand new production at the Charing Cross Theatre later this year – the first time the musical will be seen in London since its premiere in 2013.
While casting is yet to be announced, the production will be directed by Brett Smock (Producing Artistic Director / The Rev Theatre Company). The creative team will include: Musical Director & Orchestrator Nick Barstow, Choreographer Cressida Carré, Set & Costume Designer Stewart Charlesworth, Sound Designer Andrew Johnson, Casting Director Jane Deitch, General Management Chris Matanlé, Production Coordinator Ollie Hancock. It is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Bill Kenwright and Heartaches Limited.
Set against the backdrop of Pearl Harbor, 1941, this gripping tale of illicit love and army life follows the story of four lovers and the soldiers of G Company as their worlds are dramatically ripped apart forever.
Talking about the news, Director Brett Smock said: “After extensive development work on ‘From Here To Eternity’ in the US at The REV Theatre Company in New York and The Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, we are thrilled to join forces with UK producer Katy Lipson/Aria Entertainment to present a powerful new production designed specifically for the intimacy of Charing Cross Theatre. Framed by a world on the brink of war, at a time when we are losing the last of the ‘Greatest Generation’, and with the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor just last year, it feels timely to revisit this fascinating series of events.”
From Here to Eternity marked Tim Rice’s first new stage musical for over 10 years. His career includes winning 12 Ivor Novello awards, 4 Tonys and 3 Oscars, with smash-hit musicals including ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ ‘Evita’, ‘Chess’ and ‘The Lion King’. He commented: ” It’s wonderful to have From Here To Eternity back in London. Since its world premiere in the West End in 2013, there have been two excellent productions in North America, both directed by Brett Smock, and I’m delighted he’s bringing the latest iteration of the show back across The Pond. Katy Lipson and her team are the perfect partners: young, dynamic and energetic – like the fighting men of G Company. It’s been a treat to get back to the writing desk with Stuart, too.If you like your musicals soft and fluffy, this show is not for you. We have nothing to offer but danger, betrayal, heart-break, hope, blood, sweat and tears!”
From Here to Eternity will run at the Charing Cross Theatre from the 29th October until the 17th December.