NewsWill Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever! Play Broadway Bow Following Major Revisions?Producer Judy Craymer is planning to bring Viva Forever!, the new musical featuring songs made famous by the Spice Girls that currently plays the West End's Piccadilly Theatre, to Broadway following major revisions, according to WENN.
By
Michael Gioia
March 05, 2013
Hannah John-Kamen
Photo by Brinkhoff/M
Additionally, the British Daily Mirror is reporting that "Judy [Craymer] is doing all she can to make it sharper and funnier…There will also be a few major set reworkings, giving Viva Forever! a fresher feel."
The musical officially opened to negative reviews Dec. 11, 2012, following previews that began Nov. 27, 2012. According to the production's website, the West End run has been extended, and tickets are on sale through Feb. 15, 2014.
No details or timeline for a Broadway mounting have been officially announced.
Produced by Craymer, who also produced the worldwide stage success of Mamma Mia! and its subsequent film version, the musical is directed by Paul Garrington and features a book by Jennifer Saunders. Lynne Page provides choreography.
Saunders, best known for her TV work as co-creator and co-star of TV's "Absolutely Fabulous" and "French & Saunders," has written the story of a "beautiful, talented girl and her best friends who get swept up in the obsession of today's TV celebrity culture. As she follows her dream, the musical charts her journey into the world of overnight fame and its impact on her relationships with her mother and the friends she thought she’d have forever. From London to Spain and back again, as they confront the bitter reality of fame and as the world judges her, she and her mother learn to empower themselves and be who they really want to be." The Spice Girls — Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Victoria Beckham and Melanie Brown — produced hit songs including "Wannabe," "Say You'll Be There," "2 Become 1," "Mama," "Who Do You Think You Are?," "Move Over," "Spice Up Your Life," "Too Much," "Stop," "Viva Forever" and "Goodbye," among others.
The West End musical stars Sally Anne Triplett and Hannah John-Kamen, respectively, as mother and daughter Lauren and Viva.
Viva Forever! is produced by Craymer in association with the Spice Girls, Simon Fuller and Universal Music.
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Day at London's Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever! With Simon Adkins
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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Day at London's Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever! With Simon Adkins
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Day at London's Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever! With Simon Adkins
Spend a day at the new musical Viva Forever!, featuring the songs made famous by the Spice Girls and a book by Jennifer Saunders. Cast member Simon Adkins, who plays the role of Leon, shares photos from a recent day at the theatre. Read the Playbill.com story.
35 PHOTOS
6:45 AM wake up call!
Simon Adkins
Onesie is on and, like every English guy, I have to start the day with a cup of tea (and it IS tea - ignore the suspicious bottles behind me!)
Simon Adkins
Clean!
Simon Adkins
Being driven to work by my driver (also known as my friend Emma) in a mini that I don't fit into. It's comedy on wheels.
Simon Adkins
Coffee time on the road to the day job. Wild Bean Cafe is one of the gas station's finest blends.
Outside my day job in Essex (head east of London and you end up in Essex) with my colleague Keeley.
Simon Adkins
Putting my Second Year students through their paces.
Simon Adkins
Showing my students how it should be done (a special thank you to Christina for being my unwitting partner in this shot).
Simon Adkins
Lunch in nearby Basildon and a well deserved teacher gossip fest.
Simon Adkins
On the train headed to London's West End. Catching up on some tweaks to the script by our illustrious writer Jennifer Saunders.
Simon Adkins
2.30 pm outside the Piccadilly Theatre in London - home of VIVA FOREVER!
Simon Adkins
Quick line run with some fellow company members Hatty Preston and Ben Cura before the director arrives. (Note the performers of past Piccadilly productions observing us.)
Simon Adkins
Rehearsals commence on the Piccadilly stage.
Simon Adkins
Tried to take a snap of company in rehearsal. Obviously I failed in this task. They might have spotted me in the fly tower.
Simon Adkins
Rehearsals done for the day. Now give me some pre-show food!
Simon Adkins
But wait…… who's this strapping fellow sporting the MC Hammer throwback pants?
Simon Adkins
Taking time out before the show. Which of you spotted the salad bowl in my hand before the pizza crusts in the box?
Simon Adkins
Warm up on the Piccadilly stage…..aaaaaand stretch…
Simon Adkins
Vocal warm up with Adam, our beloved assistant MD
Simon Adkins
Any excuse for a Viva company photo!
Simon Adkins
Ben Cura (who plays Angel and is my dressing room buddy) reads to me as I put my face on pre-show.
Simon Adkins
Ready to start the show. Wannabe no. 60661 come on down!
Simon Adkins
Tamara Wall (who plays Karen) expresses her judgement of my choice of reading matter in one look.
Simon Adkins
First quick change of the show - transforming into Leon - it's ALL about the hair!
Simon Adkins
Yet another, dashing look for my alter ego Leon.
Simon Adkins
Just time for a quick snap with the fabulous Sally Dexter (who plays Simone) Not all those wigs behind us are hers.
Simon Adkins
Me and "Minty" (played by Hatty Preston) strike a pose for a snap onstage during the performance. Cheeky! #DontTellJudyCraymer
Simon Adkins
Managed to grab the wonderful Sally Ann Triplett (who plays Lauren) for a quick snap in the stage left wing mid-show.
Simon Adkins
You're not generally allowed to smoke backstage at the Piccadilly….unless you're a 12ft, mustached, Spanish carnival creation. (thanks to my long suffering dresser Sean in this snap)
Simon Adkins
Uh oh. The dressers have stolen my camera again. You guys haven't really taken the wigs of the blocks and put them on have you?
Simon Adkins
Leon and Minty ready for the finale.
Simon Adkins
Homeward bound on the Underground.
Simon Adkins
Back in the onesie and time for some well earned TV. Can the eagle eyed of you spot what show I'm watching?
Simon Adkins
To enjoy a few extra minutes in bed the following morning I shave the night before.
