Following the rapturous reception of the one-night-only concert at the Lyric Theatre, Cool Rider, the cult musical sequel will return to the West End, cool riding into the historic Duchess Theatre from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 April 2014 (press night Wednesday 16 April at 8.00pm) it was announced today. On sale now.
The film told the heady and daring love story of two unlikely lovers and their road to romance from bowling alley to burger joint, sing-a-long-a-sex education class to talent show, and long (and beautifully lit) romantic motorcycle rides to a slightly incongruous luau ending. Now, this concert of the songs from the much loved and even more maligned 1982 cult musical will come to the West End for one night only, featuring the hit songs Who's That Guy?, Score Tonight, Cool Rider (which will be sung precariously atop a step ladder without the aid of wires for safety), Reproduction, Girl for all Seasons and the haunting melody of Rock-a-Hula Luau (Summer Is Coming).
Celebrating the infamous styles, moves and wheels of the greatest high school of all time, Cool Rider will pay homage to the films sheer brilliance (and shortcomings) with many surprises along the way. So grab your jackets, book your tickets, hide those hickeys and head to the Duchess Theatre!
"Beyond triumphant" - BROADWAYWORLD
"This inventive production needs to be a permanent fixture in the West End" - GAY TIMES
Ashleigh Gray and Aaron Sidwell will once again sing the roles of Stephanie and Michael, immortalised on screen by Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield:
Ashleigh Gray's many recent theatre credits include standby Elphaba in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Martha in the UK Tour of The Secret Garden, Lorraine in the UK Tour of I Dreamed A Dream; Kim in the UK Tour of Taboo, Emily in Myths and Hymns at the Finborough Theatre and Miranda in Betwixt at Trafalgar Studios. Ashleigh has also made guest appearances in Momentous Musicals, Susan Boyle in Concert, Lee Mead at The Pheasantry and West End Men.
Aaron Sidwell's career began at 18 when he was cast as Steven Beale in the BBC's long running drama EastEnders. Theatre includes Michael Dork in Loserville at the Garrick Theatre, Jack Sprat in the UK No.1 Tour of Carnaby Street, Ham in Children of Eden at the Prince of Wales Theatre and Kyle Gibson in The Prodigals at the Gilded Balloon, Edinburgh Festival.
Further casting to be announced.
Cool Rider is directed by Guy Unsworth and choreographed by Matt Krzan, with musical direction by Lee Freeman, lighting design by Charlie Morgan Jones and costume design by Christopher Wilmer. It is produced by Christopher D. Clegg and James DP Drury, with casting by Jacob Sparrow.
For more information, visit www.CoolRiderLive.com.
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