Here Comes J Edgar!, a new musical by comedy legends Harry Shearer (The Simpsons, This Is Spinal Tap) and Tom Leopold (Seinfeld), begins its world premiere run at London’s King’s Head Theatre on July 11, with opening night on July 16 and performances continuing through August 16.
Bryan Batt (Mad Men) leads the cast in the title role. The company includes Marc Elliott (EastEnders) as Walter Winchell, Alfie Parker (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Tony Clownpants, Holly Willock (Mean Girls) as Nurse, Hugo Bolton (King Lear) as Clyde Tolson, jazz singer Judith Owen as Lady In Red, Laura Medforth (Hello, Dolly!) as Helen, Lucy O’Byrne (Little Miss Sunshine) as Mother, and Reuben Khan as John F. Kennedy.
According to press notes, the musical focuses on J. Edgar Hoover’s hidden, behind-the-scenes persona, which included a lifelong queer relationship with his deputy, Clyde Tolson, standing in stark contrast to his intensely conservative public persona. Shearer and Leopold wrote the work with late songwriter Peter Matz, a noted collaborator of Barbra Streisand and Carol Burnett.
Josh Seymour directs, with choreography by Bill Deamer. The creative team includes scenic design by Sophia Pardon, costume design by Tom Paris, lighting design by Jamie Platt, and sound design by Nick Lodge. Arthur Spivak and David Burns are producing.
Source: Playbill