Zara Deakin as Marilyn Monroe
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Marilyn Dance Show Premieres at Apollo, 3 Jun

A new "dance musical" celebrating the life of Marilyn Monroe is coming to the West End for a short run in the summer. Marilyn, which is directed and choreographed by Peter Schaufuss, will premiere at the Apollo theatre from 3 to 13 June 2009.

Schaufuss, who is producing the show with his own company, was the creative force behind recent West End 'dancicals' Divas (2008) and Satisfaction (2007), which featured the music of the Rolling Stones (See News, 4 Jun 2007). He made headlines in the UK four years ago with his controversial "musical without words" based on the life of the Princess of Wales (See The Goss, 10 Mar 2005). His credits also include a ballet set to the music of Michael Jackson entitled I’m Bad.

Marilyn looks at the “story behind the image” of the iconic movie star, who died in 1962 from an overdose of barbiturates. It features music from her films including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, The Seven Year Itch and Some Like It Hot as well as famous performances including her rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mr President”.

The show stars dancer Zara Deakin (pictured) in the title role, a founder member of the Peter Schaufuss company who has appeared in all of the companies' 19 productions and played the title role in Diana - The Princess. Deakin will be joined by a company of 15 dancers.

Currently at the Apollo, Richard Greenberg's Three Days of Rain, which stars James McAvoy and Nigel Harman, opens on 10 February (previews from 30 January), completing its limited season on 2 May (See News, 24 Oct 2008).

- by Theo Bosanquet

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