Get a 1st Look at Chaka Khan Musical I’m Every Woman, Starring Alexandra Burke

The Chaka Khan jukebox biomusical I'm Every Woman is set to make its London premiere at the Hackney Empire March 20-25, and the musical has just released production photos, which can be viewed in the gallery below. Following the Hackney run, I'm Every Woman will play the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry April 1-4 and the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne April 7-11.

Alexandra Burke (The X Factor, Sister Act, The Bodyguard, Curfew) will star as Chaka Khan in the world premiere, joined by Jordan Frazier (Hamilton) as alternate Chaka Khan, Paige Peddie (The Lion King) as Taka Boom, Chanice Alexander-Burnett (Les Misérables) as Tammy Michelle/Paulette McWilliams, Charlotte St Croix (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Milini Khan/Whitney Houston, Maryla Abraham (Coming to England) as Sandra Stevens, Chrissie Bhima (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Marie Stevens, Sophie Earl (Lizard Boy) as Joni Mitchell, Duane-Lamonte O'Garro (Kinky Boots) as Hassan Khan/Luther Vandross, Miles Anthony Daley (The Drifter’s Girl) as Richard Holland/Prince, Teddy Wills (Get Up Stand Up!) as Fred Hampton/Miles Davis/Grand Master Melle Mel, Chris Breistein (An Officer and a Gentleman) as Steve Winwood, Samuel Sarpong-Broni (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Charles Stevens/Yoruba Priest/Stevie Wonder, and Peter Houston (Hamilton) as Bob Monaco.

Completing the cast in the ensemble are Kayleigh Stephenson (We Will Rock You), Earl Gregory (Play On!), Vanessa Dumatey (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical), Gregory Armand (Mandela), Harry Robinson (Hamilton), Zinzile Tshuma (Thriller Live!), Oskarina O'Sullivan (Thriller Live!), Connor Wilkins, and Tarik Frimpong (A Strange Loop), who is also resident choreographer.

Said Burke in an earlier statement, “Almost 17 years ago, with my late mother by my side, I sang Chaka for my very first non-televised audition for The X Factor. To think that all these years later I’ve been given the opportunity to play the superstar that is Chaka Khan in the West End would have been simply unimaginable for me back then. Thank you Mama for all your love and guidance as I was growing up, you are in my thoughts every day, and I’ll be lovingly looking up at you every single show. This truly is a dream role for me, my first originating, and I’m still pinching myself wondering if I’m dreaming! Of course we know and love the classics ‘I’m Every Woman,’ ‘Ain’t Nobody,’ and ‘I Feel For You,’ but I encourage you to dive deep into her incredible solo and Rufus catalogue, it’s timeless and iconic just like the legend herself.”

The work features a book by Nia T. Hill is directed by Racky Plews with choreography by Ebony Clarke.

Along with telling the story of Khan's life and career, the musical features her most loved songs, including "I Feel For You," "Tell Me Something Good," "Ain't Nobody," "Sweet Thing," "Higher Love," "Through the Fire," and, of course, the title track. Included in Khan's story are run-ins with Joni Mitchell, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Robert Palmer.

The production also features musical supervision by Mark Crossland, set design by Sara Perks, sound design by Chris Whybrow, video design by Buckloop, lighting design by Zoe Spurr, costume design by Natalie Pryce,  hair, wigs and makeup design by JJ Wigs, casting by Debbie O’Brien, associate direction by Oliver Lidert, associate choreography by Simeon Beckett, production management by Toby P Darvill, and general management by Emily Obasohan.

I'm Every Woman — The Chaka Khan Musical is produced by Adrian Grant Productions in association with Chaka Khan. Co-producers include Tammy Michelle for Chaka Khan Enterprises;  Nia T. Hill and Michael Derek Thomas for ODX Studios; Willette Murphy Klausner for WMK Productions; and Mahben Quddus and Dave Lumby for Adrian Grant Productions.

Visit ImEveryWomanMusical.com.