Just as it’s getting a bit chilly, there’s some exciting news to warm us up as it’s revealed that James Lapine & William Finn’s quirky musical adaptation of the Oscar-winning movie Little Miss Sunshine will have its European premiere at the Arcola Theatre – in a brand new co-production with Selladoor – opening on 21 March 2019 for a seven-week season before hitting the road for a UK tour. Are you going to take the trip too?
Based on the Academy Award-winning film by Michael Arndt, Little Miss Sunshine is the off-beat musical comedy created by the Tony Award-winning team of James Lapine (who collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George) and William Finn (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Falsettos). This new production will be directed by the Arcola’s artistic director Mehmet Ergen with design by David Woodhead, lighting design by Richard Williamson, choreography by Anthony Whiteman and musical supervision by Mark Crossland. The tour begins at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich on 20 May 2019.
The Hoover family has more than a few troubles, but young Olive has her heart set on winning the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest. When an invitation to compete comes out of the blue, the Hoovers must pile into their rickety, yellow VW camper van. Can it survive the 800-mile trip from New Mexico to California – and more importantly, can they? This inventive and uplifting musical celebrates the quirks of every family, the potholes in every road, and the power of overcoming our differences.
Mehmet Ergen said:
“In uncertain times, we all need a little bit of Sunshine. This is the story of a family coming together to celebrate their differences – and that speaks to the heart of Arcola Theatre’s ethos. Our diverse family of artists and audiences is growing every year, and we’re delighted that thousands more people outside London will get to experience Little Miss Sunshine, through our first major co-production with Selladoor Worldwide.”
Next year marks the tenth anniversary of Selladoor Worldwide (originally Sell a Door Theatre Company). Its aim is to engage young and adult audiences, along with first-time attendees to encourage the next generation of
