Elvis to work with Neil LaBute on musical
Playbill, 2001-10-19
- Theatrenow
Neil LaBute and Elvis Costello Musical in the Works
19-OCT-2001
Neil LaBute has been talking to the American media about a new project
joining him with rock icon Elvis Costello. The two talents plan to collaborate
on a new musical for which LaBute will write the book and Costello will
compose the music, but no further information has been released.
American playwright LaBute premiered his most recent play The Shape
of Things at London's Almeida Theatre over the summer, and the critically
acclaimed production has recently transferred to New York. LaBute's
other plays include bash, Filthy Talk for Troubled Times,
Lepers, Sangunarians and Sycophants, Rounder, and
Ravages. His films include "In The Company of Men"
- for which he received the New York Critics' Circle Best First Feature
Award and the Filmmakers' Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival - "Your
Friends and Neighbors," and "Nurse Betty." Neil LaBute's
most recent film, "Possession" will be released later this
year.
London-born Elvis Costello is acclaimed for his adventurous style and
lyrically sharp music. From the late 70's, he was part of the rock group
called The Attractions, but in 1986 he abruptly left the band to pursue
a solo career. His many albums include "My Aim Is True", which
was voted "Album of the Year" in Rolling Stone's annual poll
in 1978, "Blood and Chocolate," "Armed Forces,"
"Imperial Bedroom," "Get Happy," "Mighty Like
A Rose," and "All This Useless Beauty."
The project is being aimed for Broadway, but with LaBute's strong attachment
to London theatre, it would not be surprising if the LaBute/Costello
musical pops up in the West End sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, Elvis Costello will be handing over the Artist of the Year
Award at the 25th Gramophone Awards at the Barbican tonight. The Awards
were established to recognize the best classical music recordings each
year.
by Theatrenow
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