Lennon to Open on Broadway in Summer of 2005

It has just been announced that Lennon, a new musical based on the life and songs of former Beatle John Lennon, is scheduled to open on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre in the summer of 2005. Written and directed by Don Scardino, the show is being produced by Edgar Lansbury, Don Scardino and Allan McKeown in association with Clear Channel Entertainment.

Lennon looks at how one man’s life defined the times and the socio-political struggle that overtook our world. The show is being presented by arrangement with Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono. “Over the past two decades, I have been experiencing the world’s feedback to John’s life, statements and music,” said Ono in a press statement. “I’ve realized what John meant to the world. He was a catalyst who brought down the hypocrisy and the Establishment by saying ‘Gimme Some Truth.’ What we present on stage should again give people insight, encouragement, inspiration and fun, so they can go on with their lives with some assurance and hope.”

The show will feature a cast of 10 and a 10-piece onstage band. Among the 27 songs performed in Lennon will be such hits as “Imagine,” “Instant Karma,” “Give Peace a Chance,” “(Just Like) Starting Over” and “Whatever Gets You Through the Night.” In addition to Scardino, who previously directed A Few Good Men on Broadway, Lennon‘s creative team includes Joe Malone (choreography) John Arnone (scenic design), Jane Greenwood (costume design), and Jules Fisher/Peggy Eisenhauer (lighting design).

Prior to arriving in New York, the production will play out-of-town engagements at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco (April 5-May 7) and at the Colonial Theater in Boston (May 24-June 18). For more information, visit the website www.lennonthemusical.com.