Thoroughly Modern Millie Bobs Her Hair in London, Starting Oct. 11

By Kenneth Jones
19 Jun 2003

The American creative team of Thoroughly Modern Millie will remount its work in London this fall, when the 2002 Tony Award-winning show makes its West End debut.

Michael Mayer will direct and Tony winner Rob Ashford will choreograph the British-cast show, which begins performances Oct. 11 and opens Oct. 21 at the Shaftesbury Theatre. The principal London producers are Paul Elliott and Duncan Weldon.

The cast includes Amanda Holden as Millie, Maureen Lipman as Mrs. Meers, Sheila Ferguson (a diva of the British pop trio 3 Degrees) as Muzzy, Craig Urbani (Contact) as Trevor and Mark McGee (Taboo) as Jimmy.

Holden is making her West End debut. She's known for a TV series called "Cutting It."

The creative team — including composer Jeanine Tesori and lyricist-librettist Dick Scanlan — was in London for casting prior to the current rehearsals for the musical's American national tour (launching in Kansas City July 15).

The Broadway company, with 2002 Tony Award winner Sutton Foster as Millie, continues at the Marquis Theatre. The musical also won Tonys for Best Musical, Best Costume Design (Martin Pakledinaz), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Harriet Harris), Best Orchestrations (Douglas Besterman and Ralph Burns) and Best Choreography (Rob Ashford).