Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a stage musical based on the 1971 Walt Disney film and the stories by Mary Norton. It features the original songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, new songs and additional music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill.
| Bedknobs and Broomsticks | |
|---|---|
 Official poster | |
| Music | |
| Lyrics | |
| Book | Brian Hill |
| Basis | Stories by Mary Norton and 1971 Walt Disney film |
| Premiere | 14 August 2021: Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Productions |
|
Background
editThe musical was originally due to premiere at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater from May 30 to July 28, 2019 as part of its 2018/19 season, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell, but due to Rockwell's death on May 26, 2018, the musical was postponed and replaced with a production of Six.[1][2][3]
In May 2020, while speaking about the closure of Frozen on Broadway to The New York Times, Thomas Schumacher, the president of Disney Theatrical Productions, confirmed the musical was in development with new directors Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison.[4]
Production history
edit2021-22 UK and Ireland tour
editThe musical had its world premiere at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle upon Tyne on 14 August 2021 before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour until May 2022.[5] The production is directed by Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison, with set design and illusions also by Jamie Harrison. Costume design is by Gabriella Slade, orchestrations are by Simon Hale, musical supervision is by Tom Murray, choreography and movement direction are by Neil Bettles, sound design is by Gareth Fry, lighting is by Simon Wilkinson, production management is by Gary Beestone, and casting by Jill Green and Jo Hawes.
The production is produced by Michael Harrison by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions.[6] Casting for the production included Dianne Pilkington as Miss Price and Charles Brunton as Emelius Browne.[7]
Cast and characters
edit| Character | UK and Ireland tour |
|---|---|
| 2021-22 | |
| Miss Eglantine Price | Dianne Pilkington |
| Professor Emelius Browne | Charles Brunton |
| Charlie Rawlins | Conor O'Hara |
| Carrie Rawlins | Izabella Bucknell |
| Sapphire Hagon | |
| Poppy Houghton | |
| Evie Lightman | |
| Paul Rawlins | Dexter Barry |
| Haydn Court | |
| Jasper Hawes | |
| Aidan Oti | |
| Mrs. Hobday | Jacqui DuBois |
| Sherman, a Bear | Mark Anderson |
| King Leonidas, a Lion | Matthew Elliot-Campbell |
| Norton, a Fish | Rob Madge |
| Angela, a Bird | Emma Thornett |
| Mrs. Mason | Susannah van den Berg |
| Ensemble | Kayla Carter |
| Sam Lupton | |
| Nathaniel Morrison | |
| Sadie-Jean Shirley | |
| Robin Simoes da Silva | |
| Swing | Jessica Aubrey |
| Georgie Buckland | |
| Jonathan Cobb | |
| Vinnie Monachello |
Musical numbers
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References
edit- ^ "Stage Adaptation of Disney's Bedknobs and Broomsticks Sets Chicago World Premiere". Playbill. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
- ^ "Season Announcement". Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
- ^ Jones, Chris. "Chicago Shakespeare to nix 'Broomsticks' and premiere new rock opera 'Six'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2019-01-22.
- ^ Paulson, Michael (2020-05-14). "Disney Closes 'Frozen' on Broadway, Citing Pandemic". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
- ^ "Bedknobs & Broomsticks Musical UK Tour - Bedknobs & Broomsticks Tickets 2021". British Theatre. 2021-05-10. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (2020-12-11). "Stage Version of Disney's Bedknobs and Broomsticks Will Launch U.K. Tour in 2021". Playbill. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
- ^ BWW News Desk. "Dianne Pilkington to Lead BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS World Premiere; Initial Casting Announced". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2021-06-04.