The new musical is based on the 1995 ground-breaking film, To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar.
The world premiere of To Wong Foo The Musical is set to take place at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre from the 21st October until the 17th December it has been confirmed. It is based on the 1995 ground-breaking film, To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar, written by multiple Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Bean and starred Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, Stockard Channing, Robin Williams and Ru Paul.
This musical adaptation will feature a book and direction by original film screenplay writer Douglas Carter Beane, with music and lyrics by Lewis Flinn and casting by Sarah Leung CDG. Casting and full creative team have yet to be announced.
Set in 90s New York, To Wong Foo The Musical tells the story of 3 Drag Queens, Vida, Noxeema and Chichi, who embark on a trip across America to attend the Drag Queen of the Year Finals in Hollywood. When their car breaks down in Middle America, their lives, as well as those in the town, are turned upside down, in this joyous, heartfelt and high camp musical extravaganza!
Douglas Carter Beane said, “I am so thrilled to bring the World Premiere of To Wong Foo The Musical, not only to the UK, but to the wonderful Hope Mill Theatre and Manchester. When I wrote this story back in the 90’s, it was always a theatre show in my mind, and fortunately for me, Steven Spielberg and Beeban Kidron thought it would make a great movie. But, for me it was always the ambition to bring it to the stage and I’m so happy its finally happening. Although the musical continues to be an homage to Drag, 90s New York and the amazing individuals who made it such a vibrant place to be, it is even more politically relevant today than ever before as censorship and condemnation of drag is unfortunately on the rise in the United States. I hope this show connects with new audiences as it did way back then…come along for the ride!”
To book tickets visit: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/to-wong-foo/