European Premiere of Michael Bennett's Ballroom comes to the Waterloo East Theatre

Michael Bennett's flop musical comes to London

The Waterloo East Theatre in south London has announced it will stage the European Premiere of Michael Bennet's 1978 musical Ballroom from 12 May to 4 June 2017, with an official opening on 15 May.

Originally conceived, directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett it features a book by Jerome Kass, music by Billy Goldberg and lyrics by Alan & Marilyn Bergman.

Based on Kass's 1975 Emmy Award-winning television drama 'Queen of the Stardust Ballroom', the musical ran for just 116 performance at Broadway's Majestic Theatre. It was the first of Bennett's shows to open following the success of A Chorus Line in 1975.

Jessica Martin will star in the role of Bea Asher, returning to London following runs in Elf: the Musical at the Dominion Theatre and Sunset Boulevard at the Harold Pinter.

"Bea Asher who, having lost her beloved husband Morrie, opens a thrift shop that amounts to an ongoing garage sale of her own belongings. When her friend Angie urges her to get out of the shop and start living again by suggesting that she visit the local Brooklyn dance hall, Bea agrees and begins life anew at the Stardust Ballroom. There she meets middle-aged mailman Alfred Rossi and falls in love again. Her dream of a happily-ever-after relationship is shattered when she discovers Alfred hasn't been as honest about his personal life as she thought, but having found a new life and love decides that "fifty percent" of someone you love is better than "all of anybody else"."

Further casting and production team are yet to be announced.