A leading New York-based Broadway producer is debuting its latest creation at the Edinburgh Fringe, describing it as the optimal venue to gauge audience feedback on its musical interpretation of a dark humour-infused Asian feminist narrative.
The producer, Alchemation, recognized for the global sensation “SIX,” is solidifying its reputation as a significant player in the Fringe’s musical theatre realm, an event transforming Edinburgh every August.
“Edinburgh was the natural starting point,” commented Lucas McMahon, Alchemation’s vice president.
Their new production, “Hello Kitty Must Die,” inspired by a novel penned by Hong Kong native and U.S. resident Kate Kamen (previously known as Angela S. Choi), is set to grace the stage at Edinburgh’s Pleasance until August 27th.
The rising prominence of musicals in Edinburgh can be attributed to the success of “SIX,” a tale centred around Henry VIII’s wives, which originated from a student performance at the Fringe in Cambridge. This act caught the attention of Alchemation during its West End run in London, propelling it to Broadway stardom.
Anthony Alderson, head of the Pleasance Theatre Trust, noted the Fringe’s value as a trial ground, allowing producers to obtain several weeks of insights from a globally diverse and bold audience base. “It’s the global epicentre for theatre,” Alderson emphasized.
Additionally, the spotlight shines on Levi Roots, the British-Jamaican reggae artist and business mogul. His musical venture, “Sound Clash: Death in the Arena,” co-directed by Ray Shell, is premiering at the Fringe. Shell believes this will be a telling moment to understand if they’re “moving in the right direction.”
This experiment is one the producers are willing to invest in.
On another note, venues like the Pleasance are addressing concerns from artists about increasing costs and limiting opportunities for innovative theatre. In response, the Pleasance has distributed £50,000 ($64,250) amongst six shows, one of which is “Public – The Musical,” a quirky tale about four individuals stuck in a gender-neutral restroom.
This year marked a milestone for the Pleasance, with the venue supporting a musical through its diversity grant for the first time, showcasing 16 musicals in total – its highest count to date. The entire Fringe festival boasts approximately 140 musicals this year.
As the stages of Edinburgh light up with a diverse range of musicals this season, it’s evident that the Fringe continues to be a fertile ground for experimentation and innovation in the theatre world. Whether it’s Broadway giants or budding artists, the festival offers not only a global platform but also a responsive audience that can make or break a production. With inclusivity and diversity in focus, this year’s festival promises entertainment and a reflection of contemporary global narratives, making the month of August in Edinburgh an unmissable event for theatre enthusiasts worldwide.