The Devil Wears Prada musical has debuted at London's Dominion Theatre, featuring Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly and an original score by Elton John. The opening gala coincided with World AIDS Day, raising funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
A musical stage adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada has opened in London, complete with an original score by Elton John. The production recounts the tale of a formidable magazine editor and her ambitious young assistant.
Sunday’s premiere featured a special charity gala hosted by Elton John and his husband David Furnish. The event brought together a dazzling array of stars, including Lily Collins, Elizabeth Hurley, and designer Donatella Versace, who graced the red carpet with their presence.
Originally staged in Chicago in 2022, this London production is helmed by a fresh creative team and will run for a year at the Dominion Theatre following its October 24 opening.
The 2006 film adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, has achieved cult status. This musical revives that legacy with Vanessa Williams, famed for Desperate Housewives, embodying the commanding role of Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of the fictional fashion magazine Runway. The character, widely believed to be inspired by Vogue’s Anna Wintour, brought an added thrill to the night as Wintour herself attended the performance.
At a press event last week, Williams described the experience as “a wonderful opportunity to reimagine and recreate such an iconic role.” Georgie Buckland, who plays Andy Sachs, the wide-eyed newcomer at Runway, noted that nostalgia drives the popularity of early 2000s stories like this one.
Other Broadway hits, such as Mean Girls, have also made their way to the British stage, reflecting a broader trend of adapting beloved films for theater.
Sunday’s gala aligned with World AIDS Day, raising significant funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Although the 77-year-old music legend couldn’t fully experience the show due to ongoing eye issues, he shared his appreciation: “It’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it, and, boy, it sounded good tonight.”
This dazzling production promises to captivate audiences as it brings the world of high fashion and personal ambition to life on stage.
With AFP
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