The musical will be heading to the Adelphi Theatre next month.
As rehearsals begin, full casting has now been announced for the new musical, which blends the traditions, language and culture of the Welsh and Romani peoples in a stirring journey exploring the power and meaning of home.
Joining the previously announced Amy Di Bartolomeo (SIX, We Will Rock You), Jacob Young (Mamma Mia, Heathers), Dale Evans (Jesus Christ Superstar) and BAFTA award-winning actress Emily Burnett (CBBC’s So Awkward, The Dumping Ground) will be former Hollyoaks star Charlie Clapham as Durriken Deram and award-winning actress Rakie Ayol as Mrs. Parry. Also announced in featured roles are Leo Andrew (West End productions of Chess, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph, Phantom of the Opera, Now And Then and Groundhog Day at Old Vic Theatre) as Mr. Parry, Joey Cornish (Jersey Boys) as Wyn Lewis, Charlotte-Hannah Jones as Mali Llewellyn (Hairspray, Magic At The Musicals), and Otilia Panainte as Syeira Deram.
The ensemble will be formed of Emily Bull, Cassius Hackforth, Ediz Ibrahim, Jay Jobarteh, Nathan Kiley, Sophia McAvoy, Mared Williams and Celeste Williamson. Meanwhile, the cast will be accompanied in the concert premiere by the Trinity Laban Choir who include Grace Clifford, Lois Odell, Mali Wen, Nadia Harper, Jasmine Cole, Matthew Waters, Aidan Cross, Joseph Birch-Scanlan, Evangelos Papadimitriou and Zach Lillis.
For Tonight is inspired by true events, with its origins in the writer Spencer Williams’ own third great-grandfather’s handwritten journal.
Set in 1832, the story begins at the Parry farm in Trelawnyd, a small town in North Wales where a Romani family find shelter and friendship, but soon after their arrival, an unknown disease brings tragedy. Blame falls on the Romani travellers who are forced to flee and the three Parry children, Tomos, Haydn and Nettie, have to grow up fast after losing their parents.
Tomos, Haydn and Nettie’s lives twist and turn along different paths but fate reunites them with the traveller community from long ago. The Parry siblings encounter love, joy and friendship, as well as pain, prejudice and struggle before finally being forced to face their past, and their biggest fears.
This new musical will feature a book, music and lyrics by Shenelle Salcido & Spencer Williams and is set to be directed by Nick Evans (Mary Poppins, Bat Out of Hell, Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia, Rock of Ages and Jesus Christ Superstar). It will be the first time that the musical will be seen on the UK stage following the release of the concept album in 2021 and and a UK development workshop in 2022. Previously, For Tonight has been in development at New York Musical Theatre Festival, New York Theatre Barn, Queensbury Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, Michigan State University and Isle of Man’s Gaiety Theatre.
The creative team behind this stage production also includes musical director lestyn Griffiths (Bat Out of Hell – World Tour),West End choreographer Kevan Allen, lighting designer Jai Morjaria, orchestrator Jen Green and set designer Stewart J Charlesworth. It is being produced by Blair Russell.
For more information about the musical visit: https://www.fortonightmusical.com/