Drama Musicals » musical rebecca

REBECCA | The Musical Story

Achim — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:48:01 +0000

It all begins in 1926, in a small hotel in Monte Carlo. Maxim de Winter, a wealthy widower from England, marries a beautiful young woman from a rather common background.

Rebecca - Return to Manderley

As soon as the couple returns to de Winter’s Estate Manderley, trouble arises in the form of long-time housekeeper Mrs. Danvers. The ghost of Maxim’s first wife Rebecca seems to dominate everything that happens at Manderley, and Mrs. Danvers won’t hide her lack of respect for the new Lady of the House.

Mrs. Danvers and 'I'

Just one year earlier, Rebecca had died in an alleged boating accident. She must have been a perfect wife and the most beautiful woman in the world…according to Mrs. Danvers. Maxim seems to be taken aback by his young woman’s loneliness and insecurities, and when she wears one of Rebecca’s precious gowns for a society ball the new marriage begins to crumble…

Mrs. Danvers

And then police find Rebecca’s boat…with her corpse in it! At the time of the accident, Maxim had apparently identified a different victim’s remains as his wife’s body. Now, police consider him as their prime suspect…

Rebecca's Boating Accident?

Intrigues abound and de Winter’s situation seems hopeless. His young wife, however, discovers new strength and self-confidence through standing by his side. After a series of dramatic turns, Maxim gets cleared by police. The trials of this experience reward the couple with a truly happy ending. But Mrs. Danvers and Manderley must face a terrible finale…

UPDATE! REBECCA The Musical is now scheduled for a Broadway premiere on April 22, 2012!

Broadway World Interview With Michael Kunze | Latest REBECCA News Revealed!

Achim — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:06:18 +0000

In this extensive October ’09 interview with Broadway World’s Jonathon Collis, Michael Kunze talks about the latest news on the English-language premiere of his drama musical “Rebecca”. But wait, there’s more! Mr. Collis asked Michael several questions regarding the history and definition of drama musicals, the difficulties of working with a foreign-language adapter, the chances of a remake of Dance of the Vampires, and a number of other related topics.

It is very interesting to read Michael’s thoughts about “…winning over the British audience will be very difficult – especially if you come from continental Europe and tell them to watch the dramatisation of one of their literary treasures”.

Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!

Find the complete interview at “BWW Interviews: Writer and Interpreter Michael Kunze”

The Russian Soul Embraces The Musical Rebecca

Achim — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:26:51 +0000

Of course – Drama Musicals and the Russian’s love for emotional musical masterpieces are a perfect match. It comes as no surprise that Russian workshop ensembles have embraced Rebecca The Musical in a number of small but ambitious (and always sold-out) productions. Here are two videos from these amazing events. But first, let’s brush up on understanding the beautiful Russian soul…

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Drama Unfolds: ‘Rebecca’ Musical US Premiere Planned For 2011!

Achim — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:28:10 +0000

The DramaMusical ‘Rebecca’ by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay is scheduled to open in America in 2011 on Broadway.

Based on the Daphne du Maurier novel, Michael Kunze’s German-language production played first in Vienna in 2006, with subsequent sold-out performances in Tokyo, Moscow, and many European cities.

Multiple Tony Award (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Sunset Boulevard) and Oscar winner (Dangerous Liaisons) Christopher Hampton signed on to work with Michael on the English-language adaption of ‘Rebecca’.

Produced by Ben Sprecher and Louise Forlenza, this world-famous story of soul-searching healing and love at Estate Manderley will be directed by Francesca Zambello.

The video shows the title song by Susan Rigvava-Dumas, portraying housekeeper Mrs. Danvers’ grieving tribute to her late mistress. Observe how the creative use of all theatrical elements evokes Mrs. Danvers’ hostility toward the new wife, while inner agony over unfulfilled obsession dominates her most tender memories of Rebecca.