TORONTO and LONDON – Bell Media is venturing into live theatrical production via a partnership with Canadian producer Michael Cohl's Iconic Entertainment Studios.
The two companies said Tuesday that the first production from the new joint venture is Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, a new live theatrical spectacle that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the record-breaking album Bat Out of Hell by American rock singer Meat Loaf.
Casting is currently underway in the U.K. and the production, directed by award-winning theatre and opera director Jay Sheib (Powder Her Face, World of Wires, Platonov), will begin previews on February 17, 2017 at the Manchester Opera House.
Randy Lennox, Bell Media president of broadcast and content, and also a co-producer of the musical, said that production represents “a strategic revenue opportunity” for the company, likening it to successful musical adaptations such as Mamma Mia!, featuring the music of ABBA, that is still running in several major cities more than a decade since its debut.
"Bell Media's foray into live theatrical production emphasizes our commitment to producing engaging content on diverse platforms," said Lennox, in the news release. "We are excited to bring Bat Out of Hell to the stage as our inaugural production, and look forward to capturing the heart, soul, and imagination of audiences around the world, as this musical masterpiece enters its 40th anniversary."
Bat Out of Hell: The Musical is a romantic adventure about rebellious youth and passionate love, set against the backdrop of a post-cataclysmic city adrift from the mainland. The musical incorporates songs from the Bat Out of Hell albums, including ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’, ‘You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)’, ‘Bat Out Of Hell’, ‘I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)’, and ‘Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad’.
