All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

Sister Act to run in the West End with Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke.

Sister Act the Musical is set to make a grand return to London’s West End at the Dominion Theatre next spring.

The show features a star-studded cast with multi-award-winning music star and Olivier Award-winning performer Beverley Knight, and number one best-selling artist and musical theatre star Alexandra Burke, both portraying the role of Deloris Van Cartier.

Knight, who won the Olivier Award for her role as Emmeline Pankhurst in Sylvia at the Old Vic, will play Deloris from 15 March to 8 June 2024, while Burke will take over the role from 10 June to 31 August 2024. Burke previously played the role of Deloris in the 2016 tour.

Sister Act is a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood, and music, based on the iconic movie of the same name. The show tells the hilarious story of the disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. She is placed under protective custody and hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent. Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

The musical features original music by Tony and 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane.

It has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, set and costume design by Morgan Large, musical direction by Neil MacDonald, lighting design by Tim Mitchell, sound design by Tom Marshall and musical supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt, with further company members to be revealed.

}—–{

Live-action Moana film in the works.

Dwayne Johnson, in a video message recorded from Hawaii, announced that a live-action version of Disney Animation’s 2016 hit movie Moana is in the works. This announcement was made during the Walt Disney Company’s Meeting of Shareholders Webcast by CEO Bob Iger.

The upcoming film will be produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Beau Flynn. Executive producers include Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original animated movie, and Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller will also take part in the production. Bush, known for his work on Disney’s Oscar-winning movies Zootopia and Encanto, will be responsible for writing the screenplay for the new Moana movie.

Like the original animated feature, the live-action film will celebrate the traditions, communities, and islands of Pacific Islanders, seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Moana’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on her ancestors’ lives won hearts worldwide, along with her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.

Johnson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring the story of Moana to the live-action big screen. He said: “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui is one that runs very deep for me.”

Auli’i Cravalho, the native Hawaiian actor who voiced Moana in the original film, expressed her excitement at the thought of sharing Moana’s story in a whole new way: “Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring, not only to audiences around the world but also to me and to everyone who helped bring her to life.”

Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, said that the live-action “Moana” movie would join a successful lineup of live-action adaptations that includes “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and the highly anticipated live-action version of “The Little Mermaid.”

The original Moana movie debuted in 2016 and grossed nearly $644 million in global box office. It is among the top 15 movies streamed in the United States in 2022. The film’s soundtrack, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, was lauded worldwide, winning a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media (“How Far I’ll Go”) and an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures – Original Song (“How Far I’ll Go”).

}—–{

Mamma Mia! and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical extend West End runs.

.

Two neighbouring West End productions – Mamma Mia! and Tina – have announced extensions to their respective booking periods.

Mamma Mia!, featuring a book by Catherine Johnson alongside classic ABBA songs by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, is now running at the Novello Theatre through to 2 March 2024.

The current London cast is led by Mazz Murray as Donna, Josie Benson as Tanya, Gemma Goggin as Rosie, Norman Bowman as Sam, Christopher Dickins as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, Meg Hateley as Sophie, Miles Henderson as Sky, Natasha Heyward as Ali, Olivia Lallo as Lisa, Lucca Chadwick-Patel as Eddie and Jake Bailey as Pepper, with Jennifer Adab playing Donna at certain performances.

The company is completed by Zac Adlam, Victoria Anderson, Gemma Atkins, Sinéad Courtney, Ellie-Grace Cousins, Lawrence Guntert, David Haydn, Jennifer Hepburn, Frankie Jones, Olivia Neville, Annell Odartey, Jessie Odeleye, Callum Rose, Jack Rose, Robert Slatter, Michael Storrs, Chloe Way, Simon Willmont, Dan Wilshire and Jacob Young.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, penned by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, is now taking bookings at the Aldwych Theatre through to 11 February 2024.

Currently sharing the titular role are Elesha Paul Moses and Kristina Love, with Caleb Roberts starring as Ike Turner, Paula Kay as Zelma Bullock, Charis Alexandra as Alline Bullock, George Jennings as Roger Davies, Irene Myrtle Forrester as Gran Georgeanna (GG), Kelly Hampson as Rhonda Graam, Gregory Haney as Richard Bullock, Cordell Mosteller as Raymond Hill, Chris Grahamson as Phil Spector / Terry Britten and Joseph Richardson as Erwin Bach.

Ensemble members include Karis Anderson, Megan Armstrong, Turrell Barrett-Wallace, Vanessa Dumatey, Marie Finlayson, Natorii Illidge, Joey James, and Thomas Sutcliffe. Swings for the production are Lauren Allan, Richard Appiah-Sarpong, Joshua Da Costa, Miles Anthony Daley, Amber Sylvia Edwards, Livvy Evans, Imogen Rose Hart, Jaz Robinson, Brad Veitch, Saran Webb and Samuel J Weir.

}—–{

Beverley Knight Speaks Out: Ministers shouldn’t take free tickets unless they back the arts.

Beverley Knight has called on government ministers to stop taking free theatre tickets unless they are willing to “put their money where their mouth is” and support the arts

The actor and singer was speaking on the green carpet of the Olivier Awards 2023, where she later won best actress in a supporting role in a musical for Sylvia at the Old Vic in London.

She told The Stage: “We see a lot of government ministers taking the free tickets to concerts, to theatre shows, to operas, to all kinds of different art forms that we have.

“We see them at the photo opportunities, and then in the same breath they will tell you that you’ve got to go and retrain because what you’re doing isn’t essential, what you’re doing is frivolous, what you’re doing is surplus to the requirements.”

Knight argued that arts and entertainment industries “pull in billions” for the economy, but said their value is more important than their financial footprint.

She added: “We heal peoples souls and we were the nation’s cheerleaders when we were in the middle of the pandemic.

“Do not dismiss us. If you want to get behind the arts, get behind the damn arts, show us, put your money where your mouth is, otherwise stop taking the freebies.

}—–{

General News & Sighting

• The ceremony for the 2023 Olivier Awards took place in London. The winner of Best New Dance Production was “Traplord” by Ivan Blackstock. The award for Outstanding Achievement In Dance went to Dickson Mbi for his choreography of “Enowate”. Dame Arlene Phillips received a “Special Award” and Matt Cole won the Olivier for the Best Theatre Choreographer for his work on “Newsies”.
• As the UK prepares for the Coronation of King Charles III on the 6th of May, many West End theatres have cancelled their matinee performances for that date.
• The cast was announced for the new Vera Brittain musical “The Land of Might-Have-Been” that will launch at the Brixton International Festival on the 7th of July. The role of Vera will be played by Audrey Brisson. The choreography is by Nathan M Wright.
• The full cast was announced for “Grease” in the West End. The choreography is by Dame Arlene Phillips.
• The full cast has been announced for the West End revival of “Aspects of Love”. It will star Michael Ball and Laura Pitt-Pulford. Performances begin on the 12th of May at the Lyric Theatre. The choreography is by Denni Sayers.
• “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” has extended its booking period until February 2024.
• A new touring production of “42nd Street” will feature Samantha Womack, Michael Praed and Faye Tozer. It will open in Canterbury on the 13th of July.
• London County Hall will host an interactive play titled “The Paddington Bear Experience” later this year.

Future Dance Events News

• “Sister Act – The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End on the 15th of March 2024. It will star Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke. The choreography is by Alistair David.
• “Hadestown” is to open in the West End in 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
• A musical based on the songs produced by Stock, Aitken and Waterman called “I Should Be So Lucky” will open in Manchester on the 1st of November.
• A new musical based on the life and work of Frank Sinatra will open at the Birmingham Rep on the 23rd of September. The director and choreographer is Kathleen Marshall.
• The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
• The upcoming “Wicked” tour has announced its lead casting. Laura Pick will play Elphaba. The show will open in Edinburgh on the 7th of December. The choreography is by Wayne Cilento.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.
• “The Wizard of Oz” will embark on a UK tour at Liverpool Empire on the 13th of December. The choreography is by Shay Barclay.
• The first headline acts have been announced for this years “Breakin Convention” at Sadlers Wells from the 28th of April until the 1st of May.
• “Come From Away” has confirmed plans for a new tour beginning in March 2024. The choreography is by Tara Wilkinson and Kirsty Malpas.
• Christopher Tendai is producing and choreographing “Wonderland In Alice” which will premiere at the Peckham Theatre in London on the 6th of April.
• Chantry Dance Company will be performing “Ghost Dances” on the 25th & 26th of April at the Guildhall Arts Centre.
• “Grease” will return to the Dominion Theatre in the West End from the 2nd of June. The choreography is by Arlene Phillips.
• The musical version of “Rebecca” will play at the Charing Cross theatre in London on the 4th of September.
• Cheryl Cole has been cast for “2.22 A Ghost Story” in the West End.

Auditions & Vacancies

• “Rouge” in Vegas is looking for male dancers. For more information, contact: castofstrat@gmail.com
• Sonia Sabri is looking for Indian dancers for a touring production. For more information, contact: info@ssco.org.uk
• Cirque D’Hiver have an audition on the 12th of April in Paris. For more details, contact: alecmann646@hotmail.com
• PNP Events is holding auditions for a re-developed version of “The Polar Express Train Ride”. Contact the company for more details.
• Royal Caribbean is auditioning for its production of “Cats”. Visit www.royalcaribbeanproductions.com for audition details.
• Butlins is casting for male and female dancers to perform in its shows for 2023. See the website for further details.
• Bird College is looking for a Musical Theatre tutor to work 3 days a week in September. Contact the College for further details.
• Thursford Christmas Spectacular is auditioning for dancers on the 19th & 20th of June at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London. To register your interest, go to: www.thursfordjobs.com
• The Boury Academy and Studios is looking for dance teachers in Vauxhall. For more information, contact: info@thebouryacademy.co.uk
• Burn The Floor is looking for exceptional ballroom dancers. Contact: jorja@burnthefloor.com
• Propel Dance, a new professional wheelchair dance company in Birmingham, is recruiting a performer who identifies as disabled to join its new 2023 theatre production. For more information, email: info@propeldance@gmail.com
• Platinum Academy in North London is extending its list of guest teachers. To apply, contact: philipjoel@platinumacademy.co.uk

Dance Classes

• Renako McDonald has a Contemporary Jazz class on the 5th of April from 1.30 – 2.45pm at Pineapple Studios in London.
• Ryan-Lee Seager is teaching a class on the 23rd of April from 10.00am – 12.00pm at the Hub in London.
• The Target Dance Company have a workshop with teachers Will Bozier, Jenny Wickham, Shean Williams, Nikki Trow and Kaly Graham-Clare on the 14th of April at the Clay Farm Centre in Cambridge from 10.00am – 4.00pm.
• Emily Shepherd has a Jazz Commercial workshop on the 8th of April from 1.45 – 3.15pm at the Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Tracey Illife has a Parisian Showgirl Technique class at Pineapple on the 10th of April from 12.30 – 2.00pm.
• Royal Ballet dancer, Mica Bradbury, will be teaching a ballet technique class followed by repertoire from Frederick Ashton’s “Cinderella” at the Royal Opera House on the 30th of April (Ages 7 – 10 from 11.00am – 1.15pm and Ages 11 – 16 from 2.00 – 5.00pm). For more information, contact Mica on: micabeau@gmail.com
• Nicolette Whitley is offering a dance class on Thursdays from 6.15 – 7.15pm at the Inner Space in Nelwyn for £7. Reserve your space on: nicolettewhitley@outlook.com
• Strictly star Johannes Radebe is offering a Heels class at Heaven Nightclub in London on the 7th of June.
• Anita Mannings has a Contemporary Jazz Class (Int) on Wednesdays from 8.30 – 9.55pm at the Flow Dance Studios in Oval.
• Kimberly Wyatt is holding an Easter Intensive at her dance academy in Addlestone, Surrey on the 14th of April.
• Bethany Entwistle is teaching a class each Tuesday from 8.15 – 9.30pm at the Dance House in Leeds.
• Emma Levene is offering a General Ballet Core and Stretch Contemporary class at Forest Gate Community School on Thursdays from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Email to book: doubletwistdance@gmail.com
• Michael Naylor is teaching a new class on Thursdays at the Base Dance Studios from 2.30 – 4.00pm. Book via the Base app.
• Alexandre Novelli is offering a Beginners Commercial for Adults class every Tuesday at her Novelli Studios from 6.00 – 7.00pm.
• Shelley Ann is doing a 2 hour Lyrical / Contemporary & Commercial workshop at the Flash in Welshpool on the 14th of April. To reserve a place: shelleyannchoreography_@hotmail.com
• Amy Ireland has a Commercial Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios in London on Thursdays at 12.15pm and a Contemporary Jazz class at 1.15pm. On Fridays Amy teaches Beginners Tap at 10.15am.
• Erica Mulkern is hosting an Easter Dance Workshop on the 12th of April from 10.00am – 1.00pm at the Abinitio School of Dance in Brighouse. To book your place, email Erica on: ericamulkern1414@gmail.com
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a weekly Lyrical Contemporary Intermediate / Advanced class at Danceworks in London every Tuesday from 8.00 – 9.30pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock is teaching a Show Tap class at Base Dance Studios on Wednesdays at 11.30am.
• Poppy Tremlett is offering an Improvers Choreography class at Base Dance Studios on Tuesdays from 8.30 – 10.00pm.
• Rachel Bolsworth is teaching an Absolute Beginners Heels class from 7.00 – 8.00pm on Tuesdays and an Improvers Beginners Heels class on Monday from 8.30 – 9.30pm at Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Hannah Cleeve is giving a Heels Technique class on Wednesdays from 1.00 – 2.30pm each week at the Base Dance Studios.
• Jazz Dance Rewired will present a 2 day programme of jazz dance theatre at the Place in London on the 27th of May and the 3rd of June.
• Kamila Zalewska is teaching at the Base Studios in London on Mondays from 4.00 – 5.25pm for intermediate/advanced level. Book on the Base app.

Film And Video

• Ariana Grande has said that they are “about half way through” filming “Wicked – The Movie”.
• A live action version of “Moana” is in the works. Dwayne Johnson is expected to star in the movie.
• The film version of “Heathers – The Musical” will screen on 320 screens across the UK & Ireland from the 28th of March until the 6th of May.
• We spotted Rachel Tarbox in “The Power” on Amazon Prime.
• We spotted Lisette Krol performing with Snoop Dog.

View The Strictly Stars Wearing Dincwear Dancewear

From all the news team at Dincwear Dancewear, See you all next week!

This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.