The Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Lyric Theater in the U.K. will present the world premiere of Sleepless, prior to a West End run. The new musical is based on Sleepless in Seattle, the popular 1993 romantic comedy that starred Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
The official website states the show is based on the original story and screenplay, though producers have not yet confirmed whether the same creative behind a 2013 production at the Pasadena Playhouse titled, Sleepless in Seattle — The Musical, are attached to this new production.
Michael Rose and David Shore are producing the U.K. bow in association with Marc Toberoff, The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin and the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Performances run March 25-April 17, 2017, at Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Lyric Theater.
Sleepless in Seattle — The Musical debuted at the Pasadena Playhouse in spring 2013. That musical adaptation featured a script by Jeff Arch, who co-wrote the original screenplay with Nora Ephron and David S. Ward, and a score by Ben Toth and Sam Forman. The show, directed by Sheldon Epps, artistic director of the Playhouse, was rumored to have a West End run following its U.S. premiere.
Here’s how the official website for Sleepless bills the new musical: “Sparkling with all of the charm, romance and wit of the much loved movie, Sleepless is the heartwarming tale of Sam who moves to Seattle with his eight–year–old son Jonah, following the tragic death of his wife. But when Jonah phones a radio show and gets Sam to talk about his broken heart and sleepless nights live on air, he suddenly finds himself one of the most sought after single men in America and a great news story for feisty journalist Annie on the opposite side of the country. It looks like love is in the airwaves, but how do you know if someone is the one for you when you’ve never even met...“
The American Film Institute (AFI) lists Sleepless in Seattle among the Top 10 Best Romantic Comedies of all time. The film grossed over $227 million worldwide. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globe Awards.
