Prepare ye the way of the Lord! #StageFaves mega-stars Ramin Karimloo, Kerry Ellis and Preeya Kalidas are passing it on to a new generation of musical theatre perfomers in a special concert presentation of GODSPELL, which launches the new British Theatre Academy in August... (By the way, this precedes Ramin and Kerry co-starring together in MURDER BALLAD in September. They must like each other! But then, what's not to like with these two?!)
Several major Musical Theatre stars are to headline a concert production of GODSPELL, the heart-lifting feel-good Broadway musical from Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 August 2016. Leading a cast of talented new young performers to launch of The British Theatre Academy will be Broadway and West End Wicked star Kerry Ellis, Olivier-nominated Preeya Kalidas (Bend It Like Beckham) and Tony-nominated Ramin Karimloo (Jean Valjean in Les Mirerables and the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera).
A timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love, Godspell, will be directed by Dean Johnson with musical direction by Michael Bradley (Grey Gardens). The evening will be hosted by Mark Shenton, associate editor and joint lead critic of The Stage and co-founder of MyTheatreMates.com.
The British Theatre Academy has been set up to give young people who can not afford to access theatre theatre training the opportunity to work with top creatives in venues around the country.
A cast of 300 British Theatre Academy performers are to appearing in the West End this summer in a special family version of the Tony award-winning musical The Secret Garden, based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett with script and lyrics by Pulitzer prize and Tony award-winner Marsha Norman and music by Grammy award-winner Lucy Simon. The Secret Garden, directed by Rupert Hands, will run six weeks at the Ambassadors Theatre from Wednesday 27 July to Wednesday 31 August.
British Theatre Academy Artistic Director Matthew Chandler said: “I am delighted that Kerry, Ramin and Preeya are giving our kids the opportunity to work with such amazing, inspiring, world-class talents. Godspell promises to be an unforgettable experience for them all. Proceeds will go to continuing the great work of THE BTA giving young people the chance to perform for free."
Kerry Ellis said:
“It’s so great to have the opportunity to work with new talent who have passion for the arts, that’s exactly what the kids from the British Theatre Academy are all about."
Preeya Kalidas added:
“I’m so excited to be able to go back to where to all began for me."
