In Dreams is a jukebox musical with a book by David West Read and featuring the songs of Roy Orbison. The musical uses the songs of Orbison to tell a modern-day story about Kenna, the former lead singer of a country rock band, who reconnects with her old friends at a family-run Mexican restaurant.
| In Dreams | |
|---|---|
 Production artwork | |
| Music | Various |
| Lyrics | Various |
| Book | David West Read |
| Basis | Songs by Roy Orbison |
| Premiere | July 3, 2023: Leeds Playhouse, England |
| Productions | 2023 Leeds 2023 Toronto |
Premise
editThe musical revolves around Kenna, the former lead singer of a country-rock band. At a critical moment in her life, she decides to throw a party at a family-run Mexican restaurant where she reconnects with some of her old friends, including a drummer named Ramsey.[1] The musical explores themes of love, loss, friendship and the power of music to bring people together.
Development
editFollowing the success of & Juliet, Read was approached with the idea of writing another musical, this time using the songs of Roy Orbison.[2] Rather than tell the story of Orbison's life, Read opted to tell a fictional story using songs by Orbison, including some from his time as part of the Traveling Wilburys. Read commented that he "didn’t want to see someone doing their best Roy Orbison impression".[2] Instead, he wanted to take advantage of Orbison's emotionally complex songs to tell a story, in a similar style to jukebox musicals like Girl from the North Country and Mamma Mia!. The musical has the backing and support of Orbison's sons.[2]
Production history
editWorld premiere: Leeds and Toronto (2023)
editIn November 2022, it was announced that In Dreams would have its world premiere at the Leeds Playhouse. The musical premiered on 3 July 2023, and closed on 5 August 2023. It starred Lena Hall as Kenna and Oliver Tompsett as Ramsey. It was directed by Luke Sheppard, with choreography by Fabian Aloise.[3]
In Dreams, along with most of the cast, transferred to Toronto,[4] It had its North American premiere at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, where it opened on 26 September 2023 and closed on 12 November 2023.[5]
Cast and characters
edit| Role | Leeds | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| Kenna | Lena Hall | |
| Ramsey | Oliver Tompsett | |
| Jane | Sian Reese-Williams | |
| Donovan | Noel Sullivan | |
| Oscar | Manuel Pacific | |
| Nicole | Gabriela García | Nasim Ramirez |
| Ana Sofia | Alma Cuervo | |
| George | Richard Trinder | |
| Tom | Leon Craig | |
Musical numbers
edit|
Act I
|
Act II
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References
edit- ^ Raven, Simon (May 18, 2023). "Casting announced for Roy Orbison musical In Dreams at Leeds Playhouse including Oliver Tompsett & Lena Hall". Westendtheatre.com. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
- ^ a b c Wiegand, Chris (November 15, 2022). "Roy Orbison musical from & Juliet creators to open at Leeds Playhouse". The Guardian. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
- ^ Thomas, Angela (May 20, 2023). "First casting news for world premiere of In Dreams at Leeds Playhouse". Musical Theatre Review. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (March 7, 2023). "In Dreams, New Musical From & Juliet's David West Read and Luke Sheppard, to Make North American Premiere This Fall". Playbill. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
- ^ "In Dreams - A New Musical Featuring the Songs of Roy Orbison". Mirvish Productions. May 23, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
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