Peggy Sue Got Married (musical)

Summary

Peggy Sue Got Married is a 2001 musical adapted from the 1986 Francis Ford Coppola film of the same name.[1] The musical shares the same storyline as the movie, following a 42-year-old woman as she travels back in time to relive certain high school experiences.[2]

Peggy Sue Got Married
Promotional poster
MusicBob Gaudio
LyricsJerry Leichtling
BookArlene Sarner
Jerry Leichtling
BasisPeggy Sue Got Married
Productions2001 West End

The book was written by Arlene Sarner and Jerry Leichtling, with music composed by Bob Gaudio, and lyrics by Jerry Leichtling. The musical opened in the West End theatres of London in August 2001, with Ruthie Henshall starring as Peggy Sue; other actors included Tim Howar, Gavin Lee, and Andrew Kennedy.[3] Ruthie Henshall received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in the role of Peggy Sue. The production runs for two hour and thirty minutes, with one intermission.

Storyline edit

Peggy Sue is reevaluating her life at 42 years old due to an awaiting divorce with her cheating husband, who she has been with since he got her pregnant in high school. Upon going to a 25 year high school reunion, she travels back in time to 1960, when she was 17 years old. Even though she is back in her 17 year old body, she still has her same 42 year old mind, memories, and maturity. She takes this opportunity to relive her youth and do all the things she regrets not doing. She parties, tells her parents that she loves them, and talks to the school geek about his future success in life. Ultimately, she must choose to either go down the same path, or pursue her high school heart throb, Michael.[4]

Production edit

The musical opened in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre on August 20, 2001, and closed on October 13, 2001.[5] The mostly positive reviews praised Henshall's performance.[4][6] Its early closing has been attributed to the reduced numbers of people visiting London after the events of 9/11;[7] during the time, many theatrical shows in West End also performed poorly.[8]

Cast and characters edit

Main characters[9] edit

Character Role Actor/Actress
Peggy Sue Main Character Ruthie Henshall
Charlie Peggy Sue's Husband Andrew Kennedy
Michael High School Heartthrob Tim Howar
Richard High School Nerd Gavin Lee
Evelyn Sara Weymouth
Doug Gerard Bentall
Delores Melanie Marcus

Other characters edit

Miss Grano, Danny, Arthur, Mr. Kalodney, Walter, Joe, Linda, Maddy, Carol, School Nurse, and Jack.

Other cast edit

Gerard Bentall, Verity Bentham, Dawn Buckland, Chris Crompton, Samuel James, Melanie Marcus, Dean Maynard, Melitsa Nicola, Stuart Nurse, Paul Peacock, Richard Peakman, Wayne Perrey, Andrew Playfoot, Neil Reynolds, Tanya Robb, Vicki Simon, Donna Steele, Scarlett Strallen, Sam Strasfeld, Lucy Moorby, Pippa Gebette, Shirley Hafey, Terence Hillyer, Ian Waller, Francesca Newitt.

Design: Ruari Murchison

Lighting Design: Mark Jonathan

Sound: Rick Clarke

Musical Arrangements: Gary Hind

Choreographer: Sergio Trujillo[4]

Songs edit

References edit

  1. ^ Morley, Sheridan (29 August 2001). "London Theater: Peggy Sue Gets Married Again". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  2. ^ Billington, Michael (21 August 2001). "Peggy Sue Got Married". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  3. ^ Paddock, Terri (21 August 2001). "Peggy Sue Got Married". WhatsOnStage. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Loveridge, Lizzie (2001). "Peggy Sue Got Married - the Musical". CurtainUp. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  5. ^ Webb, Paul (1 October 2001). "West End's Shaftesbury Divorces Musical Peggy Sue, Oct. 13". Playbill. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  6. ^ Spencer, Charles (22 August 2001). "Ruthie triumphs over cliches". The Telegraph. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  7. ^ "Lack of tourists forces Peggy-Sue closure". The Guardian. 1 October 2001. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  8. ^ Kennedy, Ingrid (7 October 2001). "The Interview: Ruthie Henshall". The Independent. Retrieved 16 June 2007.
  9. ^ Wolf, Matt (4 September 2001). "Peggy Sue Got Married". Variety. Retrieved 30 May 2023.

External links edit

  • "Archive Peggy Sue Got Married" at albemarle-london.com
  • Review at thisislondon.co.uk
  • Production, plot and song list at guidetomusicaltheatre.com