David Bowie fans have much to look forward to in the near future as a new stage musical co-written by the late rock legend is expected to open in London next month. Lazarus is based around some of Bowie’s classic tracks and is believed to be a follow up to the sci-fi film The Man Who Fell To Earth made in 1976, which starred the much-missed star.
Skepta picks up top British Music award
Delight at the imminent opening in Britain of the intriguing new project was coupled with a slight disappointment earlier this week though, as grime star Skepta walked away with the Mercury Music Prize instead of the much-fancied Bowie.
The album Blackstar had seemed likely to be favoured by the judges, but it was Skepta’s work Konnichiwa that ultimately took the major honour on the night.
‘Dexter’ star takes musical lead
Taking the lead role of Thomas Newton in Lazarus when it opens for business at the King’s Cross Theatre will be actor Michael C Hall. A familiar face to many television viewers through his portrayal of a serial killer in the crime series Dexter, the 45-year-old American star was aided in his preparations for the musical by Bowie before his untimely death.
Hall was full of praise for the ‘Starman’ in a recent interview and told British newspaper “i” that “David was so kind” and added that Bowie had “welcomed our interpretations.”
Performed at Mercury Prize ceremony
He represented Bowie at the Mercury Prize ceremony and provided a sneak preview of what the audience for Lazarus can look forward to, by performing the title song on the night.
His emotional delivery was supported at the Hammersmith Apollo by Bowie’s full band on a poignant evening for many, given that it was the same venue that had witnessed the last bow for Ziggy Stardust back in 1973.
Co-written with Enda Walsh
Adding his undoubted musical genius to the project, Bowie assisted in the writing of Lazarus alongside the prolific Irish playwright Enda Walsh.
The musical includes a fresh interpretation of the unforgettable track Life On Mars and the cast album is also expected to delight fans, after news broke that it will include Bowie’s last three studio recordings.
Sell-out run in America
The musical has already had a sell-out run in New York, where it received favourable reviews from both Rolling Stone and The New York Times and is expected to replicate that success when it opens in this country.