Kelsey Grammer will make his West End debut next Spring in a revival of Man Of La Mancha at the London Coliseum.
The Cheers and Frasier star will follow his London debut – in Big Fish at The Other Palace last year – by leading the first West End production of the multi Tony-winning musical in over 50 years, portraying Migeul de Cervantes and Don Quixote.
Grammer will star opposite the international opera star and soprano Danielle de Niese, who will play Aldonza and Dulcinea. The production will run from 26 April to 8 June 2019, with Danielle playing 33 performances during this time. Further star casting for the role will be announced.
Danielle de Niese (Photo: Decca/Chris Dunlop)
The revival of Man Of La Mancha is the latest collaboration between producers Michael Linnit and Michael Grade, who were behind Chess, Carousel, Sunset Boulevard and Sweeney Todd at the Coliseum, and the English National Opera. The show will be performed with ENO’s majestic 35-piece orchestra.
Man Of La Mancha is inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ story Don Quixote, which sees a haphazard knight set off a fantastical quest with his servant Sancho Panza. Narrated by Cervantes (Grammer) – as a means of fending off the Spanish Inquisition – the musical sees chivalry, knighthood, love, loyalty and adventure abound, featuring the iconic song The Impossible Dream.
Man Of La Mancha will be directed by Lonny Price, who also directed Sunset Boulevard at the Coliseum starring Glenn Close, which subsequently enjoyed a hugely successful Broadway transfer.