Our #FirstNightTakeover series continues with Perry O'Bree at the world premiere of wacky American musical It Happened in Key West at London's Charing Cross Theatre. How much love is there for this life-and-death romantic comedy? What did stars Alyssa Martyn and Wade McCollum profess? (And spot fellow #StageFaves blogger Charlotte O'Growney with Perry at the interval!)
It Happened in Key West is a major new romantic comedy musical by award-winning Broadway composer Jill Santoriello (A Tale of Two Cities), novelist Jason Huza and Jeremiah James, a member of recording group Teatro. It's inspired by shocking true events that rocked Florida’s tiny island of Key West in the 1930s.
After decades of searching for his dream girl, eccentric scientist Carl finally finds Elena, only to lose the young beauty to the fatal disease of tuberculosis. For Carl, the eternal optimist, death is only the beginning. He steals Elena’s body from the graveyard and takes her home, embarking on the most ambitious “fixer upper” project in history as he tries to bring his beloved back to life…
Wade McCollum reprises the role of Carl, which he previously performed in the musical’s US development showcase, opposite Alyssa Martin as the tragic love of his life, Elena. They’re joined in the cast by Val Adams, Miguel Angel, Alexander Barria, Mary-Jean Caldwell, Andrea Golinucci, Siwan Henderson, Sophia Lewis, Guida Garcia
It Happened in Key West has book, music and lyrics by Santoriello, book and additional lyrics by Huza, and book and original concept by James. The show is directed and choreographed by Marc Robin. Also in the creative team
Visit the It Happened in Key West #StageFaves page for full social media for the show and cast plus production gallery and tons more tweets and videos.
It Happened in Key West runs 4 July to 18 August 2018 at Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NL, with performances Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. And a post-show Q&A chaired by Faves founder Terri Paddock on Wednesday 11 July. Tickets are priced £15-£49.50. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!!
First-night video
We love the show so much...
I didn't want Elena to fall too much into Disney princess territory...
I seek out the weird and wonderful characters and new work is my passion.
I feel like empathy and compassion is a gift that we get as theatre actors.
