New pop-rock musical Starry has received its first industry workshop in London. Composer-lyricist Matt Dahan and book writer-lyricist Kelly D'Angelo have adapted letters from the over 600 exchanged between famous artist Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo into the new work which is currently in its first industry workshop in London. The workshop runs through April 7 with a closed industry showing April 8.
Featured in the workshop's cast are Jamie Muscato (Heathers) as Vincent, Dean John-Wilson (Aladdin) as Theo, and Aaron Teoh (But, I'm a Cheerleader) as Toulouse Lautrec. They are joined by Maiya Quansah Breed as Jo Bonger, Reggie Mccarthy as Emile Bernard, and Adrian Hansel as Paul Gaugin.
Ameena Hamid serves as producer of the workshop, leading a team that includes director Dean Johnson, choreographer Nileeka Bose, musical director Jordan Li-Smith, designer Simon Kenny, video and projection designer George Reeve, casting director Sarah Jane Price, stage manager Nick Egan, and graphic designer Christopher D. Clegg.
Following the deaths of Vincent and Theo, which happened within months of each other, Theo's wife Jo Bonger compiled the brothers' letters and published them in 1914. The letters brought the famous painter and his brother, an art dealer, to prominence.
Starry aims for a world premiere production in London in 2023. The work has been in development since 2017 with concerts at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York City and a recently released concept album.
For more information, visit StarryMusical.com.