The St James Theatre will host the world premiere of Stardust Road, a new musical featuring the much-loved music of American composer Howard “Hoagy” Carmichael, this autumn.
The inventive 20th century songwriter, who produced some of the most-recorded American songs of all time including Stardust, Georgia On My Mind, The Nearness Of You and Soul, will have his music take centre stage at the Victoria venue from 27 October (press night 30 October) to 21 November.
Drawing on quintessentially American themes, Stardust Road will celebrate the life and loves of the US, from the age of jazz, blues and ragtime in the 20s to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Directed by Susan H Schulman, a cast of singers and dancers will take to the stage to perform many of Carmichael’s well-known hits including Old Buttermilk Sky, Skylark, Riverboat Shuffle, Old Man Harlem and the Oscar-winning In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening.
Talking about the musical, director Schulman said: “Stardust Road is a musical journey that begins in a young place up a lazy river and grows more sophisticated, more urban and urbane. It’s a journey from innocence to experience, from youth to maturity, from farm to the city and it is travelled with Hoagy Carmichael’s masterful musical score as our constant guide and companion.”
The production, which is co-produced by Carmichael’s son Hoagy B, will open at the St James Theatre following an exciting line-up of shows including McQueen, The Dreamers and Songs For A New World.