World premiere of TO WONG FOO THE MUSICAL to open at Hope Mill Theatre

Hope Mill Theatre have announced the world premiere of To Wong Foo the Musical, playing at the Manchester venue from 21 October for a limited 9-week run,

Based on the 1995 ground-breaking film To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, featuring an all-star cast including Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, Stockard Channing, Robin Williams and Ru Paul, the new musical has a book and direction by original film screenplay writer Douglas Carter Beane, with music and lyrics by Lewis Flinn and casting by Sarah Leung CDG.

Casting and full creative team is to be announced.

Set in 90s New York, To Wong Foo the Musical tells the story of three Drag Queens, Vida, Noxeema and Chichi, who embark on a trip across America to attend the Drag Queen of the Year Finals in Hollywood. When their car breaks down in Middle America, their lives, as well as those in the town, are turned upside down, in this joyous, heartfelt and high camp musical extravaganza! Three drags have come to save America, one show tune at a time!

Douglas Carter Beane said: “I am so thrilled to bring the World Premiere of To Wong Foo the Musical, not only to the UK, but to the wonderful Hope Mill Theatre and Manchester. When I wrote this story back in the 90’s, it was always a theatre show in my mind, and fortunately for me, Steven Spielberg and Beeban Kidron thought it would make a great movie. But, for me it was always the ambition to bring it to the stage and I’m so happy its finally happening. Although the musical continues to be an homage to Drag, 90s New York and the amazing individuals who made it such a vibrant place to be, it is even more politically relevant today than ever before as censorship and condemnation of drag is unfortunately on the rise in the United States. I hope this show connects with new audiences as it did way back then…come along for the ride!”

Artistic Director of Hope Mill Theatre, Joseph Houston said: “We are honoured to be producing the musical world premiere of this fabulously camp movie. To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, really brought drag to a mainstream audience in a massive way and as a queer piece of movie history, was truly ground-breaking. To be working so closely with Doug and having him direct is also a huge honour. To Wong Foo as a piece of work has always been destined to be told on stage and as a musical. Those that know and love the film can expect all of those brilliant one liners, supported by a score that is a little bit club, a little bit country, a little bit musical theatre, but a whole lot of attitude. And for those experiencing the show for the first time, welcome to the drag-fantasy-musical-extravaganza, that is To Wong Foo!”

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