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Breaking News - Michael Crawford to Return to London Stage
By: BWW Feb. 24, 2004
Andrew Lloyd Webber says, "I am delighted that Michael has accepted the delicious role of 'Count Fosco', a character of overpowering charisma and ingenuity, and one of the best villains in Victorian fiction. It is fantastic that we have lured such a great international star back to the West End where he belongs."
" THE WOMAN IN WHITE" opens at the Palace Theatre on 15 September, with previews from 28 August. Freely adapted from Wilkie Collins's sensational Victorian thriller, "THE WOMAN IN WHITE" brings to the stage a musical of startling brilliance. A dashing young man, employed as the art tutor to two devoted sisters, is stranded at a remote railway cutting. Out of the darkness looms a woman, a mysterious figure dressed in white, desperate to share a chilling secret.
He and the sisters soon find themselves trapped in a web of betrayal and greed, the victims of a seemingly flawless crime. Together they will need all their resourcefulness and courage to outwit a hugely charismatic and ingenious villain, 'Count Fosco'. As the compelling plot twists and turns, low villainy vies with high romance in a world where nothing is as it first appears and where it is impossible to know who to trust.
This new musical has been adapted for the stage by Charlotte Jones, whose award-winning plays include "Humble Boy", with lyrics by David Zippel, whose credits include "City of Angels" and the Disney classics "Mulan" and "Hercules". Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the captivating and romantic score. Internationally renowned director Trevor Nunn, responsible for, amongst others, "Cats", "Starlight Express", "Les Misérables" and, most recently, "Anything Goes", will direct the production.
Wilkie Collins's "THE WOMAN IN WHITE" was one of the most influential and successful Victorian novels and quickly became a phenomenon. Since its publication in 1860, it has never been out of print and generations of readers have been thrilled by its suspense and excitement.
The Palace Theatre Box Office is now open on 0870 895 5579.
For forty years, international star Michael Crawford has been entertaining audiences around the world as both an actor and a recording artist. He originated the title role in The Phantom of the Opera (all-time best selling original cast recording) in London and later reprised his role on Broadway and in Los Angeles, earning Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics' Circle, Dramalogue and Drama Critics' Circle Awards. In recognition of career achievements, he was made an Officer of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Other stage credits include the London company of Barnum (Olivier Award) and tours of the US, Australia and the UK in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Film career highlights include A Funny Thing Happened..., How I Won the War with John Lennon and Hello, Dolly! starring Barbra Streisand and directed by Gene Kelly. Mr. Crawford made his Atlantic Records debut with the RIAA platinum-certified Michael Crawford Performs Andrew Lloyd Webber, followed by A Touch of Music in the Night. Other recordings include: On Eagle's Wings (certified gold), Michael Crawford in Concert, Songs from the Stage and Screen, With Love, A Christmas Album and Michael Crawford: The Disney Album. Michael most recently appeared on Broadway in Dance of the Vampires.Visit the Woman in White web site @ http://www.womaninwhitethemusical.com/intro.htm
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