Michael Cassel Group (MCG) marks a Major Milestone with Broadway Opening of Almost Famous!
Michael Cassel Group (MCG), one of the world’s leading theatrical producers, will mark a major milestone in November with the Broadway opening of the new stage adaptation of Almost Famous.
Almost Famous Rehearsal (Photo by Krista Schlueter)
Following the phenomenal success of the first international tour of The Lion King, which travelled throughout Asia ahead of its debut in Abu Dhabi in November, MCG, along with co-lead producer Lia Vollack, who is also responsible for bringing MJ: The Musical and Groundhog Day to the stage, will celebrate the Broadway opening of Almost Famous on 3 November.
Almost Famous features a book and lyrics by Academy Award® winner Cameron Crowe, who wrote and directed the beloved original film, with music and lyrics by Tony, Grammy, Emmy and Pulitzer Prize Award® winner Tom Kitt, direction by Tony and Olivier Award® nominee Jeremy Herrin, and choreography by Sarah O’Gleby.
Almost Famous – Cameron Crowe, Lia Vollack, Michael Cassel, Jeremy Herrin (Photo by Krista Schlueter)
The production had its world premiere in Crowe’s hometown of San Diego where it set the record for the highest-grossing show at the Old Globe.
It was a phenomenal success garnering audience and critical acclaim. Entertainment bible Variety raved it its review, describing it as “A love letter to music… Almost Famous feels uniquely real. Which it is, because Crowe lived it, and perfected it by revisiting the memories countless times since.” While the Los Angeles Times said Almost Famous was “a shimmering and mesmerizing musical that is destined to conquer Broadway”.
CEO Michael Cassel said he was delighted Almost Famous would now have the opportunity to do that.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with Lia Vollack on bringing this much cherished story to Broadway,” he said.
“We were overwhelmed with the response to the production’s run at the Old Globe in San Diego and the buzz as we edge closer to our Broadway is heartening.
Almost Famous is set in 1973, idealistic 15-year-old William Miller is an aspiring music journalist. When Rolling Stone magazine hires him to go on the road with an up-and-coming band, William is thrust into the rock-and-roll circus, where his love of music, his longing for friendship, and his integrity as a writer collide. Almost Famous is a spirited tale of fandom, family, and the unforgettable characters you’ll meet along the way.
“The way Cameron Crowe wove his own story into such a memorable, moving and inspiring film is only enhanced by adding original music and recreating that narrative for a live audience,” Cassel said.
Almost Famous stars Chris Wood, Solea Pfeiffer, Casey Likes, Anika Larsen and Drew Gehling.
Almost Famous Rehearsal – Drew Gehling, Anika Larsen, Casey Likes, Solea Pfeiffer, Chris Wood (Photo by Krista Schlueter)
Almost Famous – Solea Pfeiffer, Drew Gehling, Chris Wood. Casey Likes (Photo by Krista Schlueter)
Sony Masterworks Broadway will release the Original Broadway Cast Album of Almost Famous after the show premieres, with two singles – Everybody’s Coming Together and The Night-Time Sky’s Got Nothing On You – available now.
“Broadway fans and rock fans have so much in common. We obsess over the music, we pore over every possible recording we find, and we treasure those moments when an artist stands on a stage, opens their heart in that most personal way, and creates real magic. Suddenly everything seems possible,” Cameron Crowe said in a statement. “Almost Famous has always been about the power of that connection: hearing a piece of music for the first time, looking into a person’s eyes, and feeling the electricity, finding your tribe. The line ‘it’s all happening’ has always been so key to the show, and now that we’re heading to Broadway, it’s finally come true. It actually is… all happening.”
Rehearsals began on 30 August ahead of Almost Famous’ Broadway premiere on 3 November.