Jerry Mitchell has joined the producing team for new musical King of Pangea, set to make its world premiere at London's King's Head Theatre beginning June 7 as previously announced. The work—which features a book, music, and lyrics by Martin Storrow—will continue performances through July 6 with Richard Israel directing. Opening night will be June 11.
The new work, about a man who escapes to an imaginary island from his childhood following the loss of his mother, will mark the first time the Tony-winning Kinky Boots director-choreographer has been on the producing end of a musical. Mitchell is the creator and currently executive producer of Broadway Cares' annual charity strip-a-thon Broadway Bares.
"There is no escaping death and loss, and how we process these tragedies often comes without a map. King of Pangea is the map. A beautiful map to the other side of grief, loss, and eventual salvation," says Mitchell in a statement. "When I heard Martin’s stunning music, I knew I wanted to do anything I could to help others hear this moving melodic story. This musical confirms life is to be lived every day even through the loss of the people we love most.”
Mitchell came to the project while serving as a writing mentor during the Barn on Fire new musicals writers' residency program in Fire Island Pines. The production is Mitchell's third U.K. gig in short order, following his directing and choreographing The Devil Wears Prada in London's West End and Becoming Nancy at Birmingham's The Rep.
Visit KingsHeadTheatre.com for tickets.