Maria Friedman will direct a new production of Cole Porter’s classic musical High Society at the Old Vic next spring as part of the newly announced 2015 season that kicks off with a two-hander from acclaimed performers Tim Key and Daniel Kitson.
Tree, which follows the theatre’s current production of Electra from 5 to 31 January, was original written by acclaimed storyteller and comedian Kitson before he joined forces with fellow performer and poet Key to rework the piece for its premiere at the Manchester Royal Exchange.
Performed in the round, the tale of dissent and commitment is set on an autumn evening when, as the night draws in, a man arrives on a quiet residential street with a picnic blanket.
Described by The Independent as a “perfectly-formed piece of writing and a beautifully realised performance by two outstanding artists”, Kitson, who was last seen on the London stage with his National Theatre production of Analog.Ue, will reprise his role alongside Key for its London premiere.
Transporting the venue to the glamorous world of 1950s socialites, Friedman’s “glittering new production” of High Society will play from 30 April to 22 August.
Based on The Philadelphia Story and the 1956 iconic film starring a trio of Hollywood royalty, Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, the madcap musical tells the story of a wealthy Long Islander planning her lavish summer wedding.
All the planning in world couldn’t help this big day go to plan however, with the arrival of both her ex-husband and a tabloid reporter, both of whom have designs on the bride to be. With three suitors in the wings, who will she choose?
High Society, which features a classic score including one of musical theatre’s catchiest numbers Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, marks multi award-winning actor Friedman’s directorial follow up to 2013’s hugely successful, Olivier Award-winning Merrily We Roll Along.
Speaking about her second production at the helm, the musical theatre veteran and EastEnders star said: “To stage High Society in the round at the Old Vic is a hugely exciting project providing the perfect immersive environment for a sparkling musical celebration of wedding day shenanigans! I am really looking forward to transporting audiences into the glamorous heart of this world and hope they enjoy the party.”
The two very different productions will play during Kevin Spacey’s final months as Artistic Director of the Waterloo-based theatre. The American actor and director will step down next autumn following more than 10 years at the helm, with Matilda The Musical’s Matthew Warchus waiting in the wings to take over the prestigious post.
News as to what will play in the three month gap between Tree and High Society is yet to be announced.