Vanessa William in lead role: The Devil Wears Prada 2.0
The infamous character of Miranda Priestly, the queen of fashion in “The Devil Wears Prada,” will be played by Vanessa Williams in the London West End stage adaptation of the same.
“The Devil Wears Prada ” is a new musical based on the hit 2006 film and bestselling 2003 novel. The original score was given by Olivier and Tony Award winner Elton John (“Tammy Faye,” “Billy Elliot: The Musical,” “The Lion King”), direction and choreography by three-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (“Kinky Boots,” “Legally Blonde,” “Pretty Woman,” “Hairspray”), lyrics by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub (“Suffs”) and book by Kate Wetherhead (“Ever After,” “Submissions Only”),
The story starts from the perspective of Andy who is a budding journalist. She manages to gain a job at an esteemed Runway magazine, under the employment of fashion’s most powerful and intimidating figure – editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Giving priority to her work life over personal and fullfiling Miranda’s far fetched orders, Andy starts indulging in the alluring world she once felt contempt for.
Tim Hatley, who has earned quite a reputation in the game with his work in notable movies such as Life of Pi, Back to the Future, etc. will design the set, costume design by Gregg Barnes (“Some Like It Hot,” “Legally Blonde”), lighting will be handled by Bruno Poet (“The Tina Turner Musical,” “Frankenstein”), sound design by Gareth Owen (“Come From Away,” “& Juliet”) and casting by Jill Green from CDG.
Williams commented: “Bringing Miranda Priestly to life in the West End is an absolute dream come true. Gird your loins, folks.”
In the original 2006 film, Meryl Streep played Priestly and Anne Hathaway played the role of Andy.
London’s Dominion Theatre has been selected as the venue for the unveiling of the play from October 2024. Before the opening in the West End in October, a preview engagement in summer at Theatre Royal Plymouth will be played.
Similar to the catty character, Williams is also a former model (unlike the character, she is likable!) Apart from being the first African American woman to hold the crown of Miss America, she has been the face of multiple high-end campaigns before endeavoring in her highly successful acting and singing career.
Williams was presented with eleven Grammy nominations and a number one single for her hit ‘Save the Best for Last’ while wearing her singer hat. Her amazing vocals then witnessed her nominated for a Tony award for her portrayal as The Witch in Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods. Williams has been strutting her stuff on Broadway for the last 30 years, but The Devil Wears Prada will mark her West End debut.
