Vanessa Williams makes West End debut in Elton John musical 'The Devil Wears Prada'

Record ID: 1860669

  • Title: Vanessa Williams makes West End debut in Elton John musical 'The Devil Wears Prada'
  • Date: 3rd December 2024
  • Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (NOVEMBER 26 , 2024) (REUTERS) (VIDEO QUALITY AS INCOMING) ELTON JOHN CLAPPING AT THE END OF THE SHOW AUDIENCE CLAPPING / JOHN IN BOX CAST ON STAGE GESTURING TO JOHN / JOHN IN BOX GESTURING BACK JOHN IN BOX LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (NOVEMBER 29, 2024) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) ACTOR, GEORGIE BUCKLAND, SAT NEXT TO ACTOR VANESSA W
  • Embargoed: 17th December 2024 12:04
  • Keywords: AMY DI BARTOLOMEO Anna Wintour David Furnish Elton John Georgie Buckland MATT HENRY THE DOMINION THEATRE The Devil Wears Prada Vanessa Williams musical west end
  • Location: VARIOUS
  • City: VARIOUS
  • Country: UK
  • Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment,Europe,Theatre
  • Reuters ID: LVA00C354329112024RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Vanessa Williams, Tony and Grammy-nominated actor and star of "Ugly Betty", is thrilled to be making her West End debut in music legend Elton John's new musical '"The Devil Wears Prada: A New Musical".
    Williams, 61, plays demanding fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly, a role made famous by Meryl Streep in the 2006 movie adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's novel that inspired the musical, for which John wrote the score.
    "I've been in the business for over 40 years. I'm soaking it all in … I'm very grateful that people have come to see me," said Williams, who audiences cheer for as she makes her entrance on stage.
    Actor Matt Henry who plays Priestly’s confidant Nigel said it is the score by John, 77, that drives the "witty and fast paced" show.
    After the official opening night show on Sunday (December 1), John - known for hits like "Your Song" as well as musicals including "Billy Elliot" and "The Lion King" - told the audience that he had lost his sight following an eye infection earlier this year.
    On Tuesday (November 26) he was spotted in the audience, with actor Georgie Buckland, who plays aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, saying he loved the show and "was very proud" of what he and the cast have created.
    There is also no scrimping when it comes to the costumes. Sachs and Williams have twelve costume changes each, with their outfits including pieces from designers such as Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford and Pamella Roland.
    Also making her West End debut, Buckland said mastering performing in high heels was a challenge.
    "I practised on carpet, so that I could walk on an uneven surface. Because I am not a heels gal," she said, explaining the highest heels she wears on stage are six and a half inch Jimmy Choos.
    Everything her character, fashionista Emily wears is designer, from Versace to Gucci to Vivienne Westwood.
    Actor Amy Di Bartolomeo who plays Priestly's hardworking assistant also made sure her outfits are "fitted to an uncomfortable point" to add to her character's obsession with clothes and looking good.
    Playing well so far with London audiences that Williams said are "eating it up", Elton John hopes the musical will open on Broadway one day.
    For now, the show directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell ("Hairspray" and "Kinky Boots") is on at London's Dominion Theatre.
    (Production: Will Russell, Sarah Mills)
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