This brand-new musical is based on the 1982 Oscar-winning film starring Richard Gere which tells the story of Zack Mayo who is in training to become a US Navy Pilot. When Zack rolls into boot camp with a bit too much of a swagger, drill Sergeant Foley doesn’t make life easy for him. When he falls for local girl Paula Pokrifki and tragedy befalls his friend and fellow candidate, Zack realises the importance of love and friendship and finds the courage to be himself and win the heart of the woman he loves. It’s only then he can truly become both an Officer and a Gentleman.
The musical includes the hit song from the movie Up Where We Belong along, with 80’s classics such as ‘Alone’, ‘Don’t Cry Out Loud’, ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’, ‘Toy Soldiers’ and ‘Material Girl’ and features one of the most iconic romantic scenes ever portrayed on screen.
“AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN” is one of the highest grossing films of all time. The screenplay is by writer and director Douglas Day Stewart which was based on his personal experience as a Naval Officer Candidate. The book was co-written by Douglas and Sharleen Cooper Cohen.
Producer Jamie Wilson said, “I am thrilled to be presenting “AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN – THE MUSICAL” and working once again with Chris Stafford, Nikolai Foster and the team at curve. For the last three years we have been working on bringing this memorable and iconic story to the stage, and hope that this new adaptation becomes as loved as the film.”
Jamie Wilson is the lead producer on the current productions of “Crazy For You”, the forthcoming world premiere of “Nativity! The Musical” and Curve’s production of “Sister Act”.
Director Nikolai Foster said, “An Officer and a Gentleman delicately charts the lives of working class, military folk in America in the early 1980s; important lives, often pushed to the margins of society. We are proud to be working alongside the film’s creator Douglas Day Stewart, producer Jamie Wilson and an incredible creative team to present this beautiful and inspiring story. This brand-new adaptation includes iconic 80s songs which create an entertaining, uplifting and original piece of musical theatre, we are excited to share this world premiere with our audiences here in Leicester and across the U.K”.
Nikolai Foster is Artistic Director at Curve, one of the UK’s leading regional theatres. His work at Curve includes Joe Orton’s “What the Butler Saw”, Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey’s “Grease”, Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”, “Legally Blonde” Truman Capote’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. He directed the hugely successful recent productions of “Annie” starring Miranda Hart which is now showing in the West End, and “Calamity Jane” which starred Jodie Prenger.
Joining director Nikolai Foster on the creative team are Choreographer Kate Prince, Musical Supervisor Sarah Travis and Designer Michael Taylor.
The show is coming to Nottingham Theatre Royal Monday 23 July – Saturday 28 July. Tickets are on sale today get yours here www.trch.co.uk
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