Lena Hall and Oliver Tompsett to star in new musical IN DREAMS at Leeds Playhouse
Leading Broadway and West End musical theatre actors Lena Hall and Oliver Tompsett will star in new musical In Dreams, written by Emmy and Golden Globe-winning and Olivier Award-nominated David West Read, which will premiere at Leeds Playhouse from 3 July – 5 August.
Multi-award winning Luke Sheppard directs this exciting new production which will feature music legend Roy Orbison’s most iconic songs. The story revolves around the former lead singer of a country rock band who, at a critical moment in her life, throws a party in a family-run Mexican restaurant to reconnect with old friends, while keeping her deeper motivations a secret.
Broadway star and Tony Award-winning actor Lena Hall (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Broadway) plays lead singer Kenna, alongside Oliver Tompsett (& Juliet, West End) as Ramsey, a fiery and passionate drummer who crashes back into Kenna’s life after a long time apart.
Director Luke Sheppard said: “This show is a celebration of the power of people coming together, and what an incredible cast we have joining us to do just that. With extraordinary talent from both sides of the Atlantic, this company are going to lift the roof of Leeds Playhouse with music and laughter. It’s a privilege to have them join us and I can’t wait to get started.”
Further casting includes Manuel Pacific (West Side Story, Royal Exchange) as restaurant owner Oscar, Gabriela García (A Streetcar Named Desire, Almeida Theatre) as Oscar’s long-time girlfriend Nicole, Sian Reese-Williams (Emmerdale, ITV) and Noël Sullivan (School of Rock, West End) as married lyricist Jane and guitarist Donovan, Alma Cuervo as Oscar’s grandmother Ana Sofia, Richard Trinder (Mamma Mia!, West End) as widower George, and Leon Craig (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, West End) as Head Chef of the restaurant, Tom. Further casting is to be announced.
Leeds Playhouse CEO and Artistic Director James Brining said: “What an honour to have such talented and experienced performers from the West End and Broadway here at the Playhouse for this exciting world premiere. We pride ourselves on producing exceptional musical theatre and we are building a reputation for showcasing world-class musicals here in Leeds.
"In Dreams will be an incredible feel-good musical that will speak to the experiences of a huge amount of people on the universal themes of love, loss and the legacy we leave behind. Roy Orbison’s music is so beloved around the world that, when it’s teamed with this amazing company, audiences are guaranteed a wonderful evening out. This production promises to be very special indeed.”
The production is choreographed by Fabian Aloise, with set design by Arnulfo Maldonado, costumes by Fay Fullerton, lighting by Howard Hudson, music supervision by Catherine Jayes, sound by Tom Marshall, musical direction by Patrick Hurley, video design by George Reeve, and casting by Annelie Powell CDG.
For more information, please click here.