Vanessa Williams set to take the stage as Miranda Priestly in Elton John’s musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada

The West End is set to dazzle audiences with its latest offering, The Devil Wears Prada, a musical adaptation of the iconic novel and film. Gracing the stage as the formidable Miranda Priestly, Editor-in-Chief of the fictional Runway Magazine, is Vanessa Williams, renowned for her memorable performances in Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives. This much-anticipated production will premiere at the Dominion Theatre on 24^th October 2024.

The Devil Wears Prada musical narrates the journey of Andy, an aspiring journalist who finds herself working under the fashion industry’s most daunting figure, Miranda Priestly. As Andy navigates the cutthroat world of high fashion, she risks her personal life to fulfil Miranda’s relentless demands, only to find herself captivated by the very lifestyle she once scorned.

In this new iteration, Williams emerges as the inaugural cast member, bringing to life a character immortalised by Meryl Streep in the 2006 cinematic version. The show promises a rich artistic experience with a score composed by the legendary Elton John, lyrics by the talented Shaina Taub and a script penned by Kate Wetherhead. The dynamic Jerry Mitchell, a three-time Tony Award recipient, will spearhead the production as director and choreographer.

Vanessa Williams expressed her excitement about the role: “Stepping into Miranda Priestly’s shoes in the West End is a dream turned reality. Prepare yourselves!”

The creative team behind this production includes set designer Tim Hatley, known for Life of Pi and Back to the Future, alongside costume designer Gregg Barnes, lighting designer Bruno Poet and sound designer Gareth Owen. The ensemble promises to deliver a visual and auditory feast.

While fans eagerly await further casting announcements, the musical is already generating buzz, drawing from the success of Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel and the star-studded 2006 film featuring Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, alongside Streep. Audiences will get a first glimpse of the show during its summer previews at Theatre Royal Plymouth, leading up to its grand opening in London’s West End in the autumn.

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Image: Matt Crockett

The Devil Wears Prada is at Dominion Theatre from 24^th October 2024 until 31^st May 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.