Broadway-Bound FIRST WIVES CLUB Musical to Premiere at Chicago's Oriental Theater, Spring 2015; Linda Bloodworth Thomason on Book, Simon Phillips to Direct!

Producers Jonas Neilson, Paul Lambert and Executive Producer Elizabeth Williams announced today that an all-new production of The First Wives Club will be presented at Chicago's Oriental Theater in Spring 2015, aiming for Broadway in the 2015-2016 Season.

Five-time Emmy Award nominee Linda Bloodworth Thomason makes her theatrical debut as book writer and Simon Phillips will now direct the musical. The First Wives Club will feature songs -- both new original music and classics -- by Motown legends Holland-Dozier-Holland, who are responsible for such hits as "Reach Out...I'll Be There," "Stop in the Name of Love," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)," and "My World Is Empty Without You."

"The blend of Holland-Dozier-Holland's magic with Simon Phillips and Linda Bloodworth Thomason's imaginations is a made-in-heaven marriage - that just so happens to be about divorce!" said originating producers Jonas Neilson and Paul Lambert.

"The First Wives Club remains one of the iconic commentaries on female empowerment," added producer Elizabeth Williams. "I'm so excited that such strong female characters will be presented on Broadway."

Bloodworth Thomason's new book is adapted from the New York Times Best-selling novel by Olivia Goldsmith, the hit 1996 Paramount Pictures film, and the earlier musical version by Rupert Holmes.

Casting and additional news from The First Wives Club will be announced at a later date.

The First Wives Club is part of the Broadway In Chicago 2015 Season. Group tickets for 10 or more are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for The First Wives Club will go on sale at a later date. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Image source.