From Here to Eternity is a brand new musical based on James Jones’ 1951 novel which will open at Shaftesbury Theatre in the autumn of 2013. Tim Rice, Stuart Brayson and Bill Oakes to collaborate on lyrics, music and book.

It will preview from September 30th with the press night will be 23rd October 2013.

The production draws together the writing talents of Stuart Brayson (music), Tim Rice (lyrics) and Bill Oakes (book). It tells an remarkable story of passion and honour, which is set on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, in 1941, shortly before and during the attack on Pearl Harbor. From Here to Eternity marks Stuart’s West End début and is Tim’s first new stage musical for ten years.

The production will be directed by Tamara Harvey whose most recent work includes Educating Rita by Willy Russell, with a national tour starting at the Menier Chocolate Factory. She also directed The Kitchen Sink (Bush), Blue Heart Afternoon (Hampstead), Tell Me On a Sunday (UK tour) and Plague Over England (Finborough and Duchess Theatre).

Published in 1951, From Here to Eternity was James Jones’ debut novel. The 1953 film and subsequent TV mini-series were adapted from the novel.

In 1953 the novel was adapted into a film directed by Fred Zinnemann and produced by Buddy Adler, starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed, Frank Sinatra and Ernest Borgnine. The film won 8 Academy Awards out of 13 nominations.

Quoted earlier this year in an interview with The Daily Telegraph Tim Rice said that no expense is to be spared on the famous kissing scene. “The kissing scene has got to be impressive, I don’t care if it costs an extra quarter of a million pounds, that scene needs to be amazing.”

Casting news to be announced but lead roles should be able to pucker their lips in preparation!

Friday 26th October 2012