International News Michel Legrand’s Amour to Make U.K. Professional Debut Performances will begin in May at London’s Charing Cross Theatre.

By Andrew Gans

February 07, 2019

Michel Legrand’s 2002 Broadway musical Amour, a fantasy about daring to dream and the power of self belief, will make its professional U.K. debut beginning May 2 at London's Charing Cross Theatre.

Directed by Hannah Chissick with choreography by Matt Cole, the limited run will continue through July 20. Opening night is set for May 8. Casting will be announced at a later date.

The production will also have designs by Adrian Gee, lighting design by Rob Halliday, sound design by Andrew Johnson, musical direction by Jordan Li-Smith, and casting by producer Danielle Tarento.

Amour has music by the late Legrand with English lyrics by Jeremy Sams (from the original French by Didier Van Cauwelaert). The musical is adapted from the 1943 short story Le Passe-Muraille by Marcel Aymé.

SEE WHAT ELSE IS SCHEDULED TO PERFORM IN LONDON

Set in 1950 Paris, the musical centers on the unassuming civil servant, Dusoleil, who lives alone and works diligently in a dreary office. To pass the time, he writes letters to his mother and daydreams about the beautiful Isabelle, who is kept locked away by her controlling husband. When Dusoleil miraculously gains the ability to walk through walls, he not only begins to lead a double life, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor to right the wrongs of his war-impoverished Parisian neighbors, but also gains the self-confidence to woo Isabelle and, just for a while, live the life he has always longed for.

Amour opened on Broadway in 2002 starring Melissa Errico, Malcolm Gets, and Norm Lewis, and was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Producer Tarento said in a statement, “Whilst I am so delighted to be producing this beautiful show, there is a tinge of sadness that Michel never got to see Amour in London, something that he sorely wanted. I hope the production serves as a fitting tribute to this extraordinary man.”