A new musical based around the hits of iconic 90s girl band the Spice Girls is set to open later this year to audiences in London.
Viva Forever! – opening in December at London’s Piccadilly Theatre – follows the story of one girl as she follows her dreams and transforms into an overnight celebrity. As she struggles to adjust to fame, the value of friendship and family ties are central themes in the story.
“We’re going to be introducing a whole new generation of Girl Power,” Spice Girls band member Victoria Beckham told the BBC.
Written by award-winning author and comedienne Jennifer Saunders and produced by Judy Cramer – who also produced smash-hit musical Mamma Mia – the story is meant to “embrace all generations” and resonate with people of all ages.
“She understands the anxieties in women, the fear of judgement and trepidation that one day they get to a certain age and become invisible,” producer Judy Cramer said of Jennifer Saunders.
“We listened to the Spice Girls songs for nine months non-stop,” she added. “Jennifer came up with a heart-warming family story that touches on celebrity today.”
Both fans of the Spice Girls themselves, Saunders and Cramer used the group’s most popular songs as the score for a fresh new storyline.
“I remember the joy and energy and positivity that they brought, and I wanted to bring that to the story,” Saunders said.
“The positivity, energy, humour, excitement and friendships that encapsulated the Spice Girls and their songs have inspired the whole creative team,” she added.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18576789
