LaChiusa's See What I Wanna See gets London premiere

Michael John LaChiusa's Off-Broadway musical See What I Wanna See will receive its London premiere at Jermyn Street Theatre later this year.

The show premiered at New York's Public Theatre in 2005 where it starred Idina Menzel in her first role following her Tony Award-winning performance originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked.

See What I Wanna See is based on three short stories by acclaimed Japanese writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa.

It will be directed by Adam Lenson, who is currently directing the 20th anniversary revival of Jason Robert Brown's Songs For A New World at St James Theatre.

According to press material:

See What I Wanna See is a vibrant and provocative new musical that explores the nature of truth, and how it is altered by perspective. From medieval Japan where two lovers seek to escape a doomed relationship, to modern day New York where a priest is wrestling with his faith, See What I Wanna See weaves together three remarkable stories of lust, greed, murder, faith and redemption, where truth and lies have become entangled.

LaChiusa's score blends a "plethora of influences from jazz and salsa to classical and pop into a fluid, cinematic score".

With musical direction by Richard Bates, See What I Wanna See is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe.