The excitement that was generated by the announcement that Madonna will make her West End debut in Up For Grabs (directed by Laurence Boswell, designed by Jeremy Herbert) in May saw an unprecedented burst of box-office activity as fans rushed to buy tickets.
Over the last week or so there have been rumors — which have spread to New York — that she might not be appearing after all.
It appears that another, earlier theatre project that the star was believed to be interested in didn't work out, but the press rep for Up For Grabs, Public Eye, has confirmed that Madonna is all systems go for David Williamson's art-world comedy and that previews will start on May 9 as planned, with an opening night on May 23.
This year has already seen some impressive first nights, but it is unlikely that any will have as much electricity as Madonna's May event.
—By Paul Webb Theatrenow