Would you hold it against me if this post has a few too many lyrical Britney Spears puns? No? Great. ‘Cause it’s my prerogative. Let’s get to it.
All of your dreams are coming true: A musical comedy featuring 23 (!!!) Spears songs is coming to the theater, darling, and we could NOT be more excited. Once Upon a One More Time — anything about that title sound familiar? — is heading to Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre this fall, with previews beginning on Oct. 29. Opening night is set for Nov. 13, and the show is slated to run through Dec. 1.
The slot was previously filled by a biographical Michael Jackson musical, Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, but the beat goes on. An explosive documentary called Leaving Neverland debuted on HBO and effectively threw a wrench into a slew of MJ-related projects, presumably including this one, though the strike is officially being attributed to a strike-related production delay. The MJ project is reportedly still in the works, scheduled for a Broadway debut in 2020.
It’s criminal that it took a snafu to get this sure-to-be fabulous musical in front of more eyes, but we’ll take what we can get.
“Throughout her career, Britney has captivated fans across the globe with her singular brand of energy and resilience,” theatre owner James Nederlander says in a statement. “For three years, we have been working closely with her to develop a concept that perfectly encapsulates her unique spirit, and are so thrilled to finally bring this joyous and electrifying show to the stage.”
Once Upon a One More Time was written by Jon Hartmere (The Upside, Bare), directed by Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages), and choreographed by Keone & Mari Madrid (World of Dance). While the show prominently features Spears’ music, it’s not about her life. The musical, which will strike an irreverent tone, will feature Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and the other fairytale princesses gathering for a book club. All of a sudden a rogue fairy godmother lays a copy of The Feminine Mystique on them and everything changes.
“I’m so excited to have a musical with my songs — especially one that takes place in such a magical world filled with characters that I grew up on, who I love and adore,” Spears says in a statement. “This is a dream come true for me!”
Showrunners are reportedly hoping for a Broadway run after the production’s turn in Chicago.
H/T Deadline
Photo: Jive
