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Monroe & Miller: A Musical Misfit Love Story
3 Sep
Summary
- New musical explores Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller's relationship.
- It highlights their struggles against McCarthyism and misogyny.
- The show connects 1950s US 'red scare' parallels to today.
A new stage musical, "Misfits Together," is set to premiere next autumn at Leicester's Curve, offering a nuanced portrait of the celebrated yet tumultuous relationship between Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Arthur Miller. The production, opening in September 2027, is a collaborative effort by indie musicians Dan Smith of Bastille and Ralph Pelleymounter of To Kill a King, who have composed the score.
The musical delves into the couple's lives, portraying them as trailblazers who empowered each other. It highlights Miller's integrity in refusing to name names before the House Un-American Activities Committee, an act that carried significant personal cost. The narrative also emphasizes Monroe's active support during this period, her establishment of a production company, and her own battles against misogyny and the constraints of her public persona.
"Misfits Together" aims to move beyond Monroe's "bombshell" image, exploring her working-class background and her creation of an iconic persona. The production draws parallels between the 1950s "red scare" and current societal trends, with one song reflecting frustration over manipulative and fear-mongering political rhetoric. The musical also features figures like Laurence Olivier, exploring his interactions with Monroe during the filming of "The Prince and the Showgirl."
Smith and Pelleymounter have drawn inspiration from various sources, including Eminem's hit "Stan" for a narrative song told via correspondence, and even famous photographs of the couple, such as those depicting bicycle rides. The score will feature under three dozen songs, crafted to be epic, nuanced, and to advance the story while exploring individual psychology.
This production follows in the footsteps of other musicians venturing into musical theatre. "Misfits Together" will run at Curve's Studio theatre from September 4 to September 25, 2027. The show is presented by Tila Arts and staged by Curve's artistic director, Nikolai Foster.
