Fresh from its success at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, Joseph Stein, Stephen Schwartz and Charles Strouse’s heart-warming and powerful show RAGS The Musical will transfer to London’s Park Theatre from 9 January to 8 February 2020, with Carolyn Maitland, Dave Willetts and Sam Attwater leading the cast as Rebecca, Avram and Bronfman respectively.
RAGS The Musical has a book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof), revised book by David Thompson, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and music by Charles Strouse (Annie).
Also in the cast are Debbie Chazen as Anna, Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Sal, Rachel Izen as Rachel, Samuel Jones and Jude Muir as David, Martha Kirby as Bella, Oisin Nolan-Power as Ben and Jeremy Rose as Jack. Completing the cast are Arthur Boan, Angela Caesar, Adam Crossley, Drew Dillon, Matthew Gent and Natasha Karp.
RAGS The Musical tells the story of Russian immigrant Rebecca, who, with her son David, travels to America in search of a better life. Rebecca must decide what matters more to her – staying true to her roots or adopting a new cultural identity in an attempt to ‘fit in’.
The production is directed by Bronagh Lagan (Little Women, Broken Wings), with musical direction by Joe Bunker, choreography by Philip Michael Thomas, orchestrations by Nick Barstow, set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly, lighting design by Derek Anderson, sound design by James Nicholson, casting by Jane Deitch and children’s casting by Keston and Keston.
Hope Aria Productions will also present, for one night only, The Spark of Creation, a gala fundraiser celebrating the work of Stephen Schwartz, at Park Theatre on Sunday 19 January 2020. Some of Schwartz’s favourite compositions will be performed and there will be a panel discussion and an audience Q&A with the world-renowned composer and lyricist responsible for many of the world’s most loved musicals, including Wicked, Children of Eden, Pippin and Godspell. All proceeds from the evening will go towards funds needed to stage RAGS The Musical for its limited run at Park Theatre.
RAGS The Musical at Park Theatre is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Hope Mill Theatre.
