Houdini the Musical
Houdini The Musical is an extravagant new family musical based on the life of the greatest magician ever, the legendary Harry Houdini. The musical was written and created by Simon Mark Leigh and Jamie Alan Nicklin and the show features some of the most magnificent illusions ever performed. Houdini the Musical is a story of betrayed friendships, love, sinister plots, romance and sacrifice. It follows the life of Harry Houdini at the time when Houdini was the most famous man in the world. With singing and a top of the line dance ensemble, Houdini the Musical is one of the most powerful musicals ever staged. It is an adventurous ride of mystery, music, and of course, magic.
The illusions performed throughout the show are the most famous illusions that Houdini himself performed including "The Crystal Pyramid", "Metamorphosis", "Dream Levitation" and the infamous "Chinese Water Torture Cell". The Crystal Pyramid illusion consists of an ornate glass pyramid that sits high above the stage. The audience can see through all sides as the casket starts to fill with a dense white mist. At the moment the chamber is full Houdini magically appears inside. The Dream Levitation is one of the best illusions ever staged as Houdini floats upward around 15 feet into the air with no visible means of support and then he vanishes and reappears in mid air. And of course there is The Chinese Water Torture Cell which was Houdini's most dangerous escape.
In this illusion Houdini is lowered head first into a glass tank filled with over two tons of water. He is handcuffed and shackled and in a space that is too small to even turn around. The audience is then asked to take one last breath with Houdini to see how long they can hold their breathe as Houdini magically escapes.
Houdini the Musical is a breathtaking event filled with magic, illusion, and mystery that is not to be missed!
Critical Reception
"When David Rockwell asked me to join him as a co-lead producer, I didn't hesitate for a moment. Houdini is an amazing, iconic figure who continues to captivate our imagination more than 80 years after his death. His colorful world defines the theatrical and, combined with this remarkable creative team, will make for a fascinating and entertaining musical," says Scott Sanders.
"The musical theater has always been a passion of mine, and I can't imagine a more thrilling opportunity than the creation of a new musical, especially with this team" adds David Rockwell.
Headlines: Hugh Jackman Rumored to Star as Houdini in 2010
People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" Hugh Jackman may be making a magical return to Broadway. Fox News reports that the megastar, whose new film epic Australia hits theaters November 26, is working on magic routines in preparation for starring in Broadway's forthcoming Jack O'Brien helmed Houdini, a musical retelling of the famed magician's life set to debut in 2010.
Jackman, who won a Tony Award for his turn in 2003's The Boy From Oz and garnered accolades for his performance as a troubled magician in the 2006 film The Prestige, is reportedly being assisted in prepping for Houdini by magic expert Ricky Jay. Names like pop-illusionist David Blaine and the Cirque du Soleil company have also been mentioned as potential creative consultants for the musical's production team.
The previously announced Houdini will feature music by screen composer Danny Elfman (an Oscar nominee for the scores of Good Will Hunting, Men in Black and Big Fish and composer of themes for TV shows such as The Simpsons and Desperate Housewives), lyrics by David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Full Monty) and a book by bestselling author and journalist Kurt Andersen (Heyday). The show will mark the producing debut of architect and designer David Rockwell, who is also slated to design the show's sets, in partnership with The Color Purple's Scott Sanders. The initial annoucement projected that Houdini will arrive on Broadway in 2010.
Harry Houdini (1874-1926), one of the world's most famous and stupefying escape artists, was known for his death-defying stunts and ability to outwit any restraint or obstacle, from handcuffs to jail cells to underwater traps and underground caves. The story of the magician's inability to satisfy his obsessive quest to challenge the limitations of being human, Houdini deals with the human yearning for astonishment and miracles and the quest to defy death.
No official details regarding timing, casting or additional creatives for the musical have been announced at this time.
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