Desperately Seeking Susan to Bow at London’s Novello in October

The new musical Desperately Seeking Susan, set to the greatest hits of Blondie, will receive its world premiere at London’s Novello Theatre, beginning on October 12. The production, which will open officially on November 15, will be directed by Angus Jackson.

The show, adapted from the 1985 movie starring Madonna, Rosanna Arquette, and Aidan Quinn, will feature Emma Williams in the title role, with additional casting still to be announced. It features a book by Peter Michael Marino, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, set and costumes by Tim Hatley, and lighting and sound by Hugh Vanstone.

The musical centers on a bored suburban New Jersey housewife named Roberta Glass, who spots a personal ad entitled “Desperately Seeking Susan” and heads off to Manhattan in search of the exciting, street-smart Susan herself. Things get complicated when, after buying Susan’s jacket, Roberta is knocked unconscious. Awaking with amnesia, she assumes she is Susan, who’s also being desperately sought by the mob. The collision of their identities takes both women on a wild ride.

Such Blondie hits as “Hanging on the Telephone”, “The Tide Is High”, “Heart of Glass”, “Call Me”, “Rapture” and “One Way or Another,” will be featured in the show. In addition, Blondie’s Deborah Harry has written a new song, “Moment of Truth”, especially for the new stage production.

For more information, visit www.whatsonstage.com.