Cult movie To Wong Foo the Musical set for debut in the UK
The official line-up for the inaugural performance of ‘To Wong Foo the Musical’, an adaptation of the cherished 1995 film bearing the same title, has been unveiled.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar is a 1995 American comedy film that revolves around three drag queens, Vida Boheme (played by Patrick Swayze), Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes), and Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo). The film charts their cross-country trip from New York to Los Angeles to participate in the Drag Queen of the Year Pageant in Hollywood.
However, their journey takes an unexpected detour when their car breaks down in a small Midwestern town, forcing them to interact with the local residents. Their stay brings about comedic, dramatic, and heartwarming situations as they connect with and influence the town’s inhabitants. The story highlights the themes of acceptance, understanding, and breaking down prejudices.
The film’s title is derived from a photograph of the actress Julie Newmar that the drag queens carry with them on their journey, which is inscribed ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.’ The photo serves as a symbol of elegance and a source of inspiration for the trio.
This musical narrative trails three drag artists – Vida, Noxeema, and Chichi – on their American odyssey to participate in the esteemed Drag Queen of the Year Finals set in Hollywood. The show’s creation and direction are attributed to the original film’s screenplay author, the frequently Tony-nominated Douglas Carter Beane. The score and lyrics have been crafted by Lewis Flinn.
Peter Caulfield, known for ‘Tammy Faye’, is set to portray Vida Boheme. Gregory Haney, celebrated for ‘TINA – The Tina Turner Musical’, will bring to life Noxeema Jackson, while Pablo Gómez Jones from ‘In Dreams’ embodies Chichi Rodríguez.
Accompanying the lead are Carolyn Maitland as Carol Ann from ‘Next To Normal’, Duncan Burt as Sheriff Dollard from ‘Friendsical’, Alexander Kranz making his debut as Bobby Ray, Arthur Boan from ‘Oklahoma!’ as Tommy Paul, and a host of other talented actors from acclaimed productions.
The creative team behind the scenes is equally commendable. Beane takes the directorial helm, with Jane McMurtrie choreographing, Brad Simmons overseeing the music, and an array of experts shaping the production’s visuals and sound. Katie Lias and Gregory Gale are responsible for set and costume designs respectively, while Bobbie Zlotnik and Andrew Sotomayor manage wig and make-up designs. A collective of professionals contribute to the sound, lighting, video, and musical direction.
The aesthetic elements are shaped by FEAST Creative, with Umbrella Rooms contributing videography.
The spectacle is set to debut at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre (also the production house) on 21st October, offering performances for a concise nine-week stretch. The national media night is scheduled for 26th October.
