I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical moves premiere plans due to Peacock Theatre repairs

I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical will now have its London premiere at the Hackney Empire from 20 to 25 March, following the temporary closure of the Peacock Theatre for building works.

The production had originally been scheduled to run at the Peacock Theatre in March. Ticket holders for the cancelled Peacock Theatre engagement will be contacted by Sadler’s Wells with information about refunds or rebooking options.

After the London run, the musical will continue its tour as planned with performances at the Belgrade Theatre from 1 to 4 April and the Congress Theatre from 7 to 11 April.

Producer Adrian Grant said today: “We were informed just several days before our sold-out engagement of I’m Every Woman that the Peacock Theatre would not be available for our scheduled opening due to essential building works. While this is clearly very disappointing, it relates solely to the venue and is entirely outside of the production’s control.

“Our cast, crew and creative team are ready, and after more than three years of development in collaboration with Chaka Khan, we are incredibly proud of the show we have created.

“Hackney Empire now becomes the first opportunity for London audiences to experience I’m Every Woman. We are determined to share this powerful story with the public without delay and look forward to welcoming everyone to our previews and Premiere in London, from 20 March and on tour at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, and The Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.”

Alexandra Burke will play Chaka Khan at Hackney Empire and on tour. She is joined by Jordan Frazier as alternate Chaka Khan, Paige Peddie as Taka Boom, Chanice Alexander-Burnett as Tammy Michelle and Paulette McWilliams, Charlotte St Croix as Milini Khan and Whitney Houston, Maryla Abraham as Sandra Stevens, Chrissie Bhima as Marie Stevens, Sophie Earl as Joni Mitchell, Duane-Lamonte O’Garro as Hassan Khan and Luther Vandross, Miles Anthony Daley as Richard Holland and Prince, Teddy Wills as Fred Hampton, Miles Davis and Grand Master Melle Mel, Chris Breistein as Steve Winwood, Samuel Sarpong-Broni as Charles Stevens, Yoruba Priest and Stevie Wonder, and Peter Houston as Bob Monaco.

The ensemble includes Kayleigh Stephenson, Earl Gregory, Vanessa Dumatey, Gregory Armand, Harry Robinson, Zinzile Tshuma, Oskarina O’Sullivan, Connor Wilkins and Tarik Frimpong, who also serves as resident choreographer.

The musical charts Khan’s life and career and features songs from her solo work and recordings with Rufus, including “I Feel for You”, “Tell Me Something Good”, “Ain’t Nobody”, “Sweet Thing”, “Higher Love” and “Through the Fire”.

The production has a book by Nia T Hill and is directed by Racky Plews, with musical supervision by Mark Crossland and choreography by Ebony Clarke. Set design is by Sara Perks, sound design by Chris Whybrow, video design by Buckloop, lighting design by Zoe Spurr, costume design by Natalie Pryce, and hair, wigs and makeup design by JJ Wigs. Casting is by Debbie O’Brien, associate direction by Oliver Lidert, associate choreography by Simeon Beckett, production management by Toby P Darvill and general management by Emily Obasohan.

I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical is produced by Adrian Grant Productions in association with Chaka Khan. Co-producers include Tammy Michelle for Chaka Khan Enterprises, Hill and Michael Derek Thomas for ODX Studios, and Willette Murphy Klausner for WMK Productions.

For Adrian Grant Productions, the producers are Mahben Quddus and Dave Lumby.

Burke is scheduled to perform on 2, 3 and 4 April in Coventry, with the evening performance only on 4 April, and at all Eastbourne performances except matinees.

According to Sadler’s Wells, the show is also set to return in August.