Moonshadowing a musical

It seems work-shopping a new musical in Melbourne is the thing to be doing of late. Along with An Officer and A Gentleman and Dream Lover, Moonshadow, the new musical by Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens), is set to be work shopped here in Melbourne during October.

The show has been work shopped previously in London, but a full production has yet to be presented.

Although the show may be work shopped here an Australian opening is not currently confirmed: "We're working out the logistics of it and whether Australia might be the first place for it to open, which would be terrific. You have a lot of talent here" (Islam).

Co-written by Rachel Wagstaff and Islam himself, the show will feature a selection of Islam's well known songs, including "Wild World" and "Moonshadow." The show is said to be set on a ‘“tiny planet somewhere out in the distant corner of the universe, where the sun never shines, birds never sing, and no-one has seen the warm light of day." A " journey-to-enlightenment kind of tale," Islam has said: “My songs always told a story, so it’s natural for me to extend that into a stage musical form. It’s taken a long time to arrive, but it’s always been a dream of mine to write a musical. Growing up in the West End of London, surrounded by theatres and shows, obviously left a strong impression on me. I originally wanted to be a composer, not a pop star. Strange how it’s taken almost a lifetime, but it had to – the story is somewhat a metaphorical mirror of my own journey, so I suppose it had to wait to reach where I am today.”

Islam has apparently been talking to Paul Dainty of the Dainty Group that is currently presenting Jersey Boys and Hairspray.

With the music of Cat Stevens and the storyline promised, Moonshadow should prove to be an uplifting and heartfelt piece of theatre. Even if Cat Stevens isn’t your thing, this show looks to be the golden ticket of all Mother's Day presents. Let’s just hope it does open in Australia around that time in 2012.