The musical, co-written with Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman, will go on to visit Southsea, Buxton, Jersey, Bounemouth, Newcastle, Blackpool and BIllingham, with further dates to be announced.
The musical, which includes such songs as "Dancin’ Fool," "Who Needs to Dream," "Welcome to Havana" and the Grammy Award-winning "Copacabana (At The Copa)," tells the story of aspiring songwriter Tony Starr (Jon Lee) working as a pianist in a bar when he meets the gorgeous Lola (Jennifer Harding), who is determined to make it in showbiz. Quickly falling for Lola, Tony does everything he can to assist her attempts to find stardom. At Manhattan's Copacabana Lounge both start to find fame, before fate steps in and Lola is swept away to Havana to work in a splashy night club. But Lola's new mentor and boss Rico may demand a price for putting her name in lights.
In a press statement, Manilow commented, "I’m honored that Copacabana will return to the UK stage and send my wishes for success to Jon, Richard, and the entire company."
As a member of S Club 7, Lee had four number one hits in the U.K. and international record sales exceeding 13 million. Other theatre credits include the title role in Aladdin (at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre) and a U.K. tour of Love Shack.
Richard Grieve is best known to television audiences for his roles as Sam Kratz in "Neighbours," Dr. Lachlan Frazer in "Home & Away," and most recently as Jonny Foster in "Emmerdale." Stage credits include the West End and U.K. tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Canadian born Jennifer Harding (Lola) is a graduate of George Brown Theatre College, Toronto, and RADA. As a vocalist, she has worked with artists including Debbie Gibson, rock group Toto and guitarist Jeff Healey. Theatre credits include Songs from the Playground (Union Theatre) and Boogie Wonderland (Qdos).
The production is directed by Thom Southerland, with choreography by Tim Jackson, musical direction by Lee Freeman, lighting design by Tom Boucher and wig design by Sam Cox.
It is produced by Antony Stuart-Hicks and Paul Leno for Dancing Fool Theatrical Ltd in association with Harlow Playhouse.
For full touring dates and to book tickets, visit www.copacabanathemusical.co.uk.
