From Here to Eternity the Musical

by Tim Rice,Bill Oakes, Stuart Brayson

From Here to Eternity the Musical is a musical written by Bill Oakes, with music and lyrics by Stuart Brayson and Tim Rice. Based on the novel of the same name, written by James Jones, and the 1953 drama film for Columbia Pictures directed by Fred Zinnermann starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Frank Sinatra and Debprah Kerr. The musical debuted at the Shaftesbury Theatre London 30 September 2013.

Background Test

The musical is based on the 1951 novel, by James Jones.[1] In May 2011, it was announced that the adaption was being planned[2] with Sir Tim Rice having acquired the stage rights[3] with the intention of opening the show in London the following year.[4][5]

Officially confirmed on 26 October 2012, producers announced that the show would play the Shaftesbury Theatre[6] from September 2013,[1] with tickets going on sale in April.[7] The show has a book by Bill Oakes and is directed by Tamara Harvey,[8] with choreography by Javier De Frutos, orchestrations by David White, set and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Bruno Poet and sound design by Mick Potter.[9] An original score has been penned,[10] with music by Stuart Brayson and lyrics by Tim Rice.[11] The musical adaption marked Rice’s first entirely new show since Aida.[12]

The song “Fight the Fight” from the show was recorded[13] and released by Michael Ball as part of his Both Sides Now album released in February 2013.[14][15] The show received its first public outing as part of West End Live[16] in June[17] with star Robert Lonsdale also singing “Fight the Fight”.[18] In July 2013, Rice allowed another song to be recorded with the song “Another Language” being released by singer Clare Teal on her album “And So It Goes”.[19]

Production History

West End (2013)

From Here to Eternity began previews on 30 September 2013,[20] at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, before holding its official opening gala night on 23 October.[21] On 1 July 2013, full casting was announced with Darius Campbell playing Warden,[22] Robert Lonsdale playing Private Prewitt, Ryan Sampson playing Maggio, Siubhan Harrison playing Lorene and Rebecca Thornhill will play Karen.[23]

The 1953 Movie

From Here to Eternity is a 1953 drama film directed by Fred Zinnemann and based on the novel of the same name by James Jones. The picture deals with the tribulations of three soldiers, played by Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and Frank Sinatra, stationed on Hawaii in the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed portray the women in their lives and the supporting cast includes Ernest Borgnine and George Reeves.
The film won eight Academy Awards out of 13 nominations, including for Picture, Best Director (Fred Zinnemann), Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra) and Supporting Actress (Donna Reed).

Run

Opening & Closing Dates	Type & Version	Theatre
Sept 30, 2013 – Mar 29, 2014	Musical, Original	Shaftesbury Theatre, London

Principal Roles and Cast Members

Character	Original West End actor^[24]
Warden	Darius Campbell
Lorene	Siubhan Harrison
Private Prewitt	Robert Lonsdale^[18]
Maggio	Ryan Sampson
Karen	Rebecca Thornhill
Clark	Mark Antolin
Mrs. Kipfer	Julie Armstong
Tommy	John Brannoch
Judson	Brian Doherty
Drag Queen	Shimi Goodman
Cadet	Dean John-Wilson
Bloom	Joshua Lacey
Captain Dana Holmes	Martin Marquez
Private/Lieutenant	Yiftach Mizrah
Anderson	Warren Sollars
Galovitch	David Stoller
Billie	Laura Tyrer
Hal	Stephen Webb