MOONSHADOW STAGE MUSICAL

[hyacinth]

PREMIERE - MELBOURNE MAY 31!!
www.theatrepeople.com.au/newsflash/new-cat-stevens-musical-moonshadow-open-melbourne-2012

Home › Newsflash › New Cat Stevens Musical Moonshadow to Open in Melbourne in 2012
New Cat Stevens Musical Moonshadow to Open in Melbourne in 2012
Submitted by Ian Nisbet on Wednesday, 23rd Nov 2011
Musical TheatreProduction AnnouncementProfessional Theatreyusuf islam
The much loved songs of Cat Stevens/Yusuf take you on an incredible journey in a new musical full of heart and soul – a magical story of love, hope and the search for a better world.

Embarking as a young singer-songwriter in the sixties and with 60 million records sold worldwide, Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) has enjoyed one of the most unique careers in pop music history. With an incredible fan base in both East and West, appealing to audiences from all walks of life - young and old, worldly or spiritual.

At a time where our fragile world seems on the verge of political-economic collapse and devastation and the youthful sixties’ spirit is back onstage again, Moonshadow is the musical we need right now. With Cat’s message songs of love and the search for universal happiness and understanding, the story is destined to enchant everyone who sees it.

Moonshadow is a beautiful musical, weaving together exciting new songs with most famous and beloved classics from Cat Stevens’ expansive back catalogue. With hits around every corner, such as "Father and Son," "Wild World," "Morning Has Broken," "Peace Train," and "First Cut is the Deepest," this musical will not fail to send audiences out happily singing or whistling along to themselves.

Most excitingly, Yusuf has created a magical world as the backdrop for his story. A young boy, Stormy, lives in a realm locked in endless night. When he is visited by his mysterious Moonshadow, he is inspired to set off on a quest for the lost land of the sun. Danger lurks around every corner. As Stormy ventures closer and closer to the end of the world, even the moon begins to die... This is a story full of inspiration, soul, and hope.

The roles of Stormy, Moonshadow (A 'shadow' who can only be seen and heard by Stormy), Lisa, Mr Hojja (Stormy's father) have already been cast with further auditions occurring in February and March next year. Opening night is currently penciled for May 31 in Melbourne with previews from May 20.

[M.]

...just to complement the article:

www.theatrepeople.com.au/newsflash/moonshadowing-musical

Moonshadowing a musical
Submitted by Michelle Crupi on Thursday, 15th Sep 2011

Announcement
cat stevens
melbourne
moonshadow
musical workshop
yusuf islam

It seems work-shopping a new musical in Melbourne is the thing to be doing of late. Along with An Officer and A Gentleman and Dream Lover, Moonshadow, the new musical by Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens), is set to be work shopped here in Melbourne during October.

The show has been work shopped previously in London, but a full production has yet to be presented.

Although the show may be work shopped here an Australian opening is not currently confirmed: "We're working out the logistics of it and whether Australia might be the first place for it to open, which would be terrific. You have a lot of talent here" (Islam).

Co-written by Rachel Wagstaff and Islam himself, the show will feature a selection of Islam's well known songs, including "Wild World" and "Moonshadow." The show is said to be set on a ‘“tiny planet somewhere out in the distant corner of the universe, where the sun never shines, birds never sing, and no-one has seen the warm light of day." A " journey-to-enlightenment kind of tale," Islam has said: “My songs always told a story, so it’s natural for me to extend that into a stage musical form. It’s taken a long time to arrive, but it’s always been a dream of mine to write a musical. Growing up in the West End of London, surrounded by theatres and shows, obviously left a strong impression on me. I originally wanted to be a composer, not a pop star. Strange how it’s taken almost a lifetime, but it had to – the story is somewhat a metaphorical mirror of my own journey, so I suppose it had to wait to reach where I am today.”

Islam has apparently been talking to Paul Dainty of the Dainty Group that is currently presenting Jersey Boys and Hairspray.

With the music of Cat Stevens and the storyline promised, Moonshadow should prove to be an uplifting and heartfelt piece of theatre. Even if Cat Stevens isn’t your thing, this show looks to be the golden ticket of all Mother's Day presents. Let’s just hope it does open in Australia around that time in 2012.

[glassworld]

I am waiting for the book!