SOME big names in the music business are in Stevenage for one night only, bringing the best from the 70s to the present day.
The Osmonds, Gareth Gates, Louisa Lytton, Andy Abraham, Chico and Shane Richie Junior will take to the Gordon Craig stage for Boogie Nights – The 70’s Musical In Concert.
And, ahead of the much-anticipated show, the Comet caught up with one of the show’s stars, Jimmy Osmond.
Speaking from Utah in USA, the Long Haired Lover from Liverpool singer said: “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve never worked with Gareth Gates and Chico, although I know who they are obviously because I have spent so much time over in the UK.
“One of the reasons it [70s music] goes down so well is everyone knows the music. It’s all about them, the audience. It’s nice to see everyone from grandma to the younger ones, and have that experience together.
“We’ll be singing our own stuff, but I’m more excited to do other songs.”
Boogie Nights was the West End’s original jukebox musical, conceived by Jon Conway and Shane Richie – one of Jimmy’s friends – in 1997.
It’s toured the world as well as the UK, with Jimmy himself involved in 2004.
“It was my first musical experience in the UK, and it’s one of my favourite ones to do,” he said.
“It’s a great look at the 70s, it’s all about the music, it’s a really fun experience to be part of.”
Jimmy will be joined on stage with brothers Merrill and Jay, after touring the UK with 51 shows.
“They’ve never done anything like this,” he admitted. “Jay is over the moon to be doing something different.”
And he joked: “The UK was the biggest and best tour we had ever done, and I had already committed to the show. At the end, Jay said ‘do they need a drummer’, and Merrill said he wanted to go - we kind of invited ourselves!
“I hope you don’t get sick of me!”
The show features a fantastic evening’s entertainment of live music, multimedia and no less than 70 hit songs from the era.
The Osmonds are the special guest stars, but there’s also West End star Gareth Gates, who plays hearthrob Dean, and Eastenders’ Louisa Lytton who plays Debs.
X Factor finalist Andy Abraham, takes to the stage as tough guy soul singer Spencer to perform Barry White classics and Chico, also a finalist in the talent competition, stars as Terry, bringing his energetic dance moves to the mix.
The all star line up is completed by a theatrical first when Shane Richie Junior takes over the role of Roddy, as created by his father. Playing the original seventies bad boy, Shane will be powering through hits such as Blame It on the Boogie.
Tickets for the event, which will be held on Thursday, February 28 at the theatre, can be bought online at www.gordon-craig.co.uk or by ringing the box office on 01438 363200, from £30.
The fun all starts at 7.30pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here