STAGE TUBE: Haimes, Hughes, Yeston Talk DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY

Roundabout Theatre Company will present the world premiere of the new musical Death Takes a Holiday, with a book by Peter Stone & Thomas Meehan, music & lyrics by Maury Yeston, directed by Doug Hughes. Death Takes a Holiday is based on the dramatic play by Alberto Casella, rewritten for the American stage by Walter Ferris, and originally produced by Messrs. Shubert. Click below for an introduction to the piece from the creators themselves.

Death Takes a Holiday will begin performances on Friday, June 10, 2011 and open officially on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre (111 West 46th Street). This production marks the second time a new musical has been presented in this theatrical space, following the recent production of The Tin Pan Alley Rag.

Death Takes a Holiday will feature musical direction by Kevin Stites. The cast and design team members will be announced shortly.

In Death Takes a Holiday, it's just after the first World War and the loneliest of souls arrives at an Italian villa disguised as a handsome young Prince, and for the first time experiences the joys and heartbreaks of life. But when he unexpectedly falls in love with a newly engaged young woman, the mysterious stranger discovers that love may in fact be stronger than death. Directed by Tony® winner Doug Hughes (Doubt), this soaring tale of love is adapted by Tony®-winning writers Peter Stone (1776) and Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray), and features lush, romantic songs by Tony® winner Maury Yeston (Nine, Titanic).

Casssella's play has inspired many recreations of his famous story, in radio, television and film. The 1934 film Death Takes a Holiday was followed by a 1937 airing on Cecil B. Demille's Lux Radio Theatre, a 1971 television production and the 1998 Hollywood remake titled Meet Joe Black.

Roundabout is pleased to welcome composer & librettist Maury Yeston back to their stage following their Tony-winning collaboration on the 2003 revival of NINE starring Antonio Banderas. Roundabout resident Director Doug Hughes most recently staged the Broadway production of Mrs. Warren's Profession starring Cherry Jones & Sally Hawkins.

For tickets and more information, visit www.roundabouttheatre.org.