Was THE SORROWS OF SATAN the 50 Shades of Grey of its day? Marie Corelli's original novel is regarded as one of the world's first modern bestsellers and caused controversy when it was first published in 1895 (it was one of Oscar Wilde's fave reads, dontcha know). Now it gets musical treatment care of British writers Bateman & Conley...
A brand new musical play based on one of the world’s first bestselling novels (and an early silent film hit) comes to Tristan Bates Theatre for a six-week run in 2017. The Sorrows of Satan is written by musical theatre writing duo Bateman & Conley (a.k.a Luke Bateman and Michael Conley) and directed by Adam Lenson. It will run from 14 February to 25 March 2017, with a press night on 21 February.
Based on Marie Corelli’s 1895 controversial bestseller, this new musical play reimagines the story of Faust in the heart of a corrupt 1920s London, where the elite are financially and emotionally bankrupt and one man has a big decision to make.
Pretentiously avant-garde musical playwright Geoffrey Tempest has been kicked out of his accommodations with not a penny to his name. He has one chance to prove himself to the theatrical community: a rehearsed reading of his musical play, The Sorrows of Satan. When his patron, the prodigal Prince Lucio Rimânez, suggests some significant changes, Geoffrey must decide whether to hold on to his artistic integrity (for what it’s worth) or sell out for the promise of fame, money and the love of his leading lady.
The Sorrows of Satan is written by Luke Bateman (Mr Popper’s Penguins) and Michael Conley and directed by Kevin Spacey Artist of Choice Award winner Adam Lenson (Songs for a New World, St. James Theatre). Casting and further creative details are to be announced.
Tristan Bates Theatre producer Matthew Keeler says: “I’m delighted and privileged to have the brilliant musical theatre writers Luke Bateman and Michael Conley at the theatre next year teaming up with one of the most exciting directors, Adam Lenson. I loved Adam’s exhilarating take on Songs for a New World at St. James Theatre last year and am thrilled he is coming to direct this brand new musical play with us. The Sorrows of Satan, which plays for six weeks, and is produced by Fisher Taylor-Gaunt Productions, marks one of our new aims to host visiting companies for longer runs here – something I look forward to talking more about later in the year.’”
The Sorrows of Satan was written in 1895 by Marie Corelli. It is regarded as one of the world’s first modern bestsellers and, despite dividing critics upon its release, was influential in establishing major trends in twentieth-century bestselling fiction and was one of Oscar Wilde’s favourite novels. It was turned into a silent film by the pioneering American film director D.W. Griffith in 1926.
