Nero, a new musical about the Roman emperor, is on stage in London
A new musical about the Roman emperor Nero is on stage at Southwark Playhouse Elephant in London. London Theatre reports that the production is scheduled to run through 5 December.
The show has a book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik. The pair are best known for Spring Awakening, the rock musical about teenagers in 19th-century Germany. Sheik is a Tony Award winner, and he also composed the musical American Psycho. The team says Nero has been 23 years in the making.
Nero ruled Rome from AD 54 to AD 68, and the musical looks at his court, his family and his rise to power. Sater wrote in a programme note that the show was inspired by George W. Bush and his "Mission Accomplished" moment during the invasion of Iraq. That moment, in 2003, was a banner and speech that marked the end of major combat, though fighting continued for years afterwards.
Andrew Barth Feldman plays Nero. Sally Dexter plays Agrippina, Nero's mother. Stephen Carlile plays Seneca, and Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky plays Poppea. Nabi Brown plays Octavia, Nero's wife, and Waylon Jacobs plays Tigellinus.
Lindsay Posner directs the production. Georgia Lowe designed it, James Cousins provided the choreography, and Ben McQuigg is musical director.
Critics have already weighed in. WhatsOnStage described the production as jazzy and atmospheric. Its reviewer also said the score has few standout tunes, with the climactic number "And Now He Hounds the Night" perhaps the exception.
Southwark Playhouse runs more than one venue, and Nero is staged at the Elephant space. Anyone planning to see it should check the theatre's listings for times and prices before booking.
