Set in Tuscany, Italy during World War II, new musical Glory Ride will make its world premiere at Charing Cross Theatre in London's West End beginning April 22. With a book, music, and lyrics by Victoria Buchholz and Todd Buchholz, the show will officially open its run April 28 and play through July 29.
Gino Bartali was an Italian icon of the 1940s. Known as an athlete and winner of the internationally-renowned cycling competition the Tour de France, few knew that one of the most famous men in Italy smuggled falsified identity cards and other documents to help save hundreds of Jews and other refugees from fascism.
Victoria Buchholz first heard the story of Gino Bartali while traveling in Tuscany. Once she determined that she wanted to turn his story into a musical, she began working with her father Todd. Casting will be announced at a later date.
Kelly Devine (Diana) will direct the production, which will feature associate direction by Ricky J Hines, musical direction by Dave Rose, and set, costume, and video design by PJ McEvoy. Casting is by Harry Blumenau and general Mmanagement by Smart Entertainment. Federico Bellone will serve as Italian cultural advisor.
Glory Ride has previously been developed through workshops in New York and Los Angeles, with sold-out staged concerts last year at London's The Other Palace Theatre.
Visit GloryRideMusical.com.
