The Devil Wears Prada Musical

Almost twenty years after the release of the famous film “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006), directed by David Frankel, with Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as Anne, a young team: Kate Wetherhead (book), Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick (lyrics), led by Elton John (music) and Jerry Mitchell (director) have created a new media form of the widely known and popular story based on the book of the same name by Lauren Weisberger.

And they did it at the highest professional level. There was no intention of reimagining the literary work or competing with the film adaptation. All eighteen musical tracks of “The Devil Wears Prada Musical”, as befits a musical, develop the storyline, reveal the main characters' personalities, convey their thoughts, emotions, memories, and move the narrative forward.

And they are all catchy and stirring, you want to listen to them over and over again, especially to such tracks as "I Mean Business", "Miranda Girl", "House of Miranda", "Bon Voyage", "I Only Love You For Your Body", and "The Devil Wears Prada".

Miranda Priestly’s first appearance from under the stage evokes the image of the devil emerging from the underworld. Vanessa Williams, who plays the title role, has managed to create a gorgeous and fully complete image of an "iron lady," whose exactingness and unscrupulousness are the basis of her success in the fashion industry. Amy Di Bartolomeo also did a wonderful job portraying Emily, Miranda's senior assistant and Andy's immediate boss, the central character of the story.

Matt Henry's Nigel was undoubtedly the highlight of the production. Georgie Buckland's performance as Andy was a bit lost among her experienced colleagues, but her West End debut can still be considered a success.

The production is worthy of attention of the most discerning lovers of musical theatre. It has everything that the present day demands of successful musical shows: a well-told, relevant story that continues into the present, the beauty and elegance of the costumes (Gregg Barnes), impeccable scenic design (Tim Hatley), excellent acting, a high level of vocal skills, memorable music, and well-thought-out choreography (Jerry Mitchell). And there's also a fashionable immersive component: upon entering the Dominion Theatre, the audience members walk the red carpet, instantly entering the glamorous world of the Runway Magazine. Come, strike a pose on the red carpet!


Photo cedit: Matt Crockett