HOUDINI THE MUSICAL - A NEW SHOW BEING WORKED ON, STAGES ITS FIRST VIRTUAL READING

  

I just read something interesting about a new musical that is being worked on right now. The musical will be called Houdini which will be an original musical based on the life and career of Harry Houdini, the stunt performer and illusionist.  Houdini was most noted for his “escape” acts. 

Two seasoned actors recently performed a virtual reading for this new musical prospect. Laura Osnes, well known for playing in the Broadway revival of South Pacific, also played Bonnie Parker in the musical Bonnie and Clyde in its premier at La Jolla Playhouse. She later played in the same show on Broadway.  Additional Broadway credits include starring roles in the Broadway revival of Anything  Goes and Cinderella.  Ms. Osnes does a good amount of film and television work and has two solo music albums as well.  In this virtual reading Laura Osnes plays the role of Bess Houdini.

Playing opposite Laura Osnes in the reading was Ramin Karimloo, who would play the lead role of Harry Houdini.  On Broadway he played John Valjean in Les Miserables and he also appeared in Anastasia. His first professional acting role occurred when he joined the UK touring cast of the Pirates of Penzance in 2001. Later that year he played the role of Artie Green in Sunset Boulevard. After this role he made his West End debut when he joined the cast of Les Miserables. He also played various roles in London’s The Phantom of the Opera.  He was most recently seen on Broadway playing in Anastasia in 2017.

Houdini has not selected a show synopsis as of yet but the setting is expected to take place at Houdini‘s final performance in Detroit in 1926. Apparently his life will be told through a series of flashbacks that take place on stage.

The city of Detroit will hold the world premiere of this new musical. After that, it’s very likely that the show will move on to Broadway with hopes of then casting a theatre company to play in London’s West End.  No dates for the show's potential opening have been selected as it is too early in the creative process.

You never know what will become a hit in the theater world but I kind of like the chances for Houdini.

Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone.  

Regards,

Rich Gladstone                                                     

President

Applause-Tickets.com

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