Summer: The Donna Summer Musical to open on Broadway in 2018

Following an extended developmental run at the La Jolla Playhouse, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical is set to transfer to Broadway in March 2018.

The jukebox musical is set to open at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 23, 2018, with previews set to begin on March 28, 2018.

With songs from the back-catalogue of the five-time Grammy Award-winner, Donna tells the story of Donna Summer, who, after selling 140 million records worldwide, was one of the best-selling artists of all time. She was known for her hits "Love to Love You Baby", "Hot Stuff", "Bad Girls" and "MacArthur Park" among many others.

Summer: The Donna Summer Musical tells her story through the setting of her last ever concert, and delves into her repertoire, featuring more than 20 of the singer's biggest hits, with three actresses play the title role in the show.

Synopsis: Told through the dramatic lens of her final concert, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical presents the complexities and conflicts the iconic songwriter and singer faced in her meteoric rise - and descent. Featuring three actresses in the title role and a score with more than 20 of Summer's classic hits including "Love to Love You, Baby," "Bad Girls" and "Hot Stuff," this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

The production has a book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff, with songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Paul Jabara and others. It will be directed by Des McAnuff and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, with music supervised by Ron Melrose and scenic design by Robert Brill, costumes by Paul Tazewell, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Gareth Owen and projections by Sean Nieuwenhuis.

Additional production information, including casting, will be announced in due course.

- by Will Longman

(photo courtesy Kevin Berne)