Stage Production Notes
Based on Walter Tevis’ novel The Man Who Fell to Earth, Lazarus is the story of Thomas Jerome Newton, a man with eternal life. The musical follows a few days in Newton’s life when he meets another lost soul who may be able to help him return to his home planet.
Initially rejected by Harper’s, Tevis’ novel was published as a paperback in 1963. It has since been called one of the finest science fiction novels ever written.
In 1976, the The Man Who Fell to Earth was adapted into a film of the same name directed by Nicolas Roeg. David Bowie played Newton, re-affirming his status as one of the most enigmatic and talented artists of his generation, and ensuring the film became a cult classic.
Lazarus, written as a sequel to the novel, was co-written by Bowie and Once writer Edna Walsh. It was to be David Bowie’s final project before his death in January, 2016.
Directed by Ivo Van Hove, the sci-fi musical premiered off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop on December 7, 2015. It featured Michael C. Hall in the lead role, along with Cristin Milioti, Michael Esper, Krystina Alabado, Sophia Ann Caruso, Nicholas Christopher, Lynn Craig, Bobby Moreno, Krista Pioppi, Charlie Pollock, and Brynn Williams.
Lazarus featured 14 songs from the Bowie’s catalogue, including “Heroes,” “Changes,” “Life on Mars?” and “Dirty Boys,” and 3 new songs, “Killing a Little Time,” When I Met You,” and “No Plan.”
Bowie made his final public appearance at the show’s opening night on December 7, 2015 in New York. He died a few weeks later on January 10, 2016. Many had speculated Lazarus, and his final album Blackstar, were intentional farewells from Bowie, however a documentary aired on the BBC in 2017, David Bowie: The Last Five Years, found this to be untrue.
Tickets to the New York Theatre Workshop run were sold out within hours of becoming available, and the run was extended to meet demand.
Lazarus received positive reviews, with critics praising the stunning visuals of the piece, and outstanding performances of the cast, notably Michael C. Hall and Sophia Anne Caruso. Several critics also noted that Lazarus was a new kind of jukebox musical, allowing audiences to re-visit Bowie’s catalogue in a new and imaginative way.
The New York cast recorded the album in the days following David Bowie’s death. The original cast recording was released in October 2016.
Lazarus premiered in London at the Kings Cross Theatre, a purpose-built pop-up space, on October 25, 2016. Michael C. Hall, Michael Esper, and Sophia Anne Caruso reprised their roles from the New York production.
The London transfer received mixed reviews. While critics praised the performances of the cast, and the stunning visual design, they were wary of the confusing plot. Like their American counterparts, several critics noted that Lazarus was more than “just a jukebox musical.” In a particularly glowing review, The Independent’s Paul Taylor claimed the production was “a rare and mesmeric testament” to Bowie’s theatrical prowess, and “transfigured” the jukebox musical genre.
A German-language production was performed in Düsseldorf, Germany, in February 2018.
Further productions were scheduled for 2018 in Germany and Austria.
Based on Walter Tevis’ novel The Man Who Fell to Earth, Lazarus is the story of Thomas Jerome Newton, a man with eternal life. The musical follows a few days in Newton’s life when he meets another lost soul who may be able to help him return to his home planet.
Initially rejected by Harper’s, Tevis’ novel was published as a paperback in 1963. It has since been called one of the finest science fiction novels ever written.
In 1976, the The Man Who Fell to Earth was adapted into a film of the same name directed by Nicolas Roeg. David Bowie played Newton, re-affirming his status as one of the most enigmatic and talented artists of his generation, and ensuring the film became a cult classic.
Lazarus, written as a sequel to the novel, was co-written by Bowie and Once writer Edna Walsh. It was to be David Bowie’s final project before his death in January, 2016.
Directed by Ivo Van Hove, the sci-fi musical premiered off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop on December 7, 2015. It featured Michael C. Hall in the lead role, along with Cristin Milioti, Michael Esper, Krystina Alabado, Sophia Ann Caruso, Nicholas Christopher, Lynn Craig, Bobby Moreno, Krista Pioppi, Charlie Pollock, and Brynn Williams.
Lazarus featured 14 songs from the Bowie’s catalogue, including “Heroes,” “Changes,” “Life on Mars?” and “Dirty Boys,” and 3 new songs, “Killing a Little Time,” When I Met You,” and “No Plan.”
Bowie made his final public appearance at the show’s opening night on December 7, 2015 in New York. He died a few weeks later on January 10, 2016. Many had speculated Lazarus, and his final album Blackstar, were intentional farewells from Bowie, however a documentary aired on the BBC in 2017, David Bowie: The Last Five Years, found this to be untrue.
Tickets to the New York Theatre Workshop run were sold out within hours of becoming available, and the run was extended to meet demand.
Lazarus received positive reviews, with critics praising the stunning visuals of the piece, and outstanding performances of the cast, notably Michael C. Hall and Sophia Anne Caruso. Several critics also noted that Lazarus was a new kind of jukebox musical, allowing audiences to re-visit Bowie’s catalogue in a new and imaginative way.
The New York cast recorded the album in the days following David Bowie’s death. The original cast recording was released in October 2016.
Lazarus premiered in London at the Kings Cross Theatre, a purpose-built pop-up space, on October 25, 2016. Michael C. Hall, Michael Esper, and Sophia Anne Caruso reprised their roles from the New York production.
The London transfer received mixed reviews. While critics praised the performances of the cast, and the stunning visual design, they were wary of the confusing plot. Like their American counterparts, several critics noted that Lazarus was more than “just a jukebox musical.” In a particularly glowing review, The Independent’s Paul Taylor claimed the production was “a rare and mesmeric testament” to Bowie’s theatrical prowess, and “transfigured” the jukebox musical genre.
A German-language production was performed in Düsseldorf, Germany, in February 2018.
Further productions were scheduled for 2018 in Germany and Austria.
Filmed Production Notes
Lazarus was filmed live during its London run at the King's Cross Theatre.
The release of Lazarus was an unusual one. Billed as “Lazarus The Motion Picture/Live Soundtrack Experience,” the film was screened at a special one-night-only event on May 2, 2018 at the King’s Theatre in Brooklyn. The music was performed live by the original off-Broadway band, and net proceeds from the event were donated to public programs at the Brooklyn Museum.
In December 2020, it was announced that Lazarus would be released on streaming platform DICE for a limited viewings between January 8 - 10, 2021. Tickets to access the stream were $21.50US.
Lazarus was filmed live during its London run at the King's Cross Theatre.
The release of Lazarus was an unusual one. Billed as “Lazarus The Motion Picture/Live Soundtrack Experience,” the film was screened at a special one-night-only event on May 2, 2018 at the King’s Theatre in Brooklyn. The music was performed live by the original off-Broadway band, and net proceeds from the event were donated to public programs at the Brooklyn Museum.
In December 2020, it was announced that Lazarus would be released on streaming platform DICE for a limited viewings between January 8 - 10, 2021. Tickets to access the stream were $21.50US.
Lazarus PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre: King’s Cross Theatre, London
Producer: Robert Fox, Jones/Tintoretto Entertainment, Live Nation, RZO Productions
Book: David Bowie and Edna Walsh
Music and Lyrics: David Bowie
Director: Ivo Van Hove
Musical Director and Orchestrations: Henry Hey
Choreography: Annie-B Parson
Scenic and Lighting Design: Jan Versweyveld
Costume Design: An D’Huys
Sound Design: Tony Gayle
Hair and Wig Design: Richard Mawbey
Cast:
Michael C. Hall (Thomas Newton), Amy Lennox (Elly), Sophia Anne Caruso (Girl), Michael Esper (Valentine), Jamie Muscato (Ben), Gabrielle Brooks (Teen Girl Two), Sydnie Christmas (Teen Girl Three), Richard Hansell (Zach), Maimuna Memon (Teenage Girl), Tom Parsons (Ben), Julie Yammanee (Maemi)
Theatre: King’s Cross Theatre, London
Producer: Robert Fox, Jones/Tintoretto Entertainment, Live Nation, RZO Productions
Book: David Bowie and Edna Walsh
Music and Lyrics: David Bowie
Director: Ivo Van Hove
Musical Director and Orchestrations: Henry Hey
Choreography: Annie-B Parson
Scenic and Lighting Design: Jan Versweyveld
Costume Design: An D’Huys
Sound Design: Tony Gayle
Hair and Wig Design: Richard Mawbey
Cast:
Michael C. Hall (Thomas Newton), Amy Lennox (Elly), Sophia Anne Caruso (Girl), Michael Esper (Valentine), Jamie Muscato (Ben), Gabrielle Brooks (Teen Girl Two), Sydnie Christmas (Teen Girl Three), Richard Hansell (Zach), Maimuna Memon (Teenage Girl), Tom Parsons (Ben), Julie Yammanee (Maemi)
Sources
Articles
Websites
- Michael Billington, “Lazarus review – Michael C Hall is a loving alien in spectacular Bowie fantasy,” The Guardian (Nov 8, 2016)
- Ben Brantley, “Review: David Bowie Songs and a Familiar Alien in ‘Lazarus’” New York Times (Dec 7, 2015)
- Mark Brown, “Bowie musical Lazarus to open in London,” The Guardian (July 25, 2016)
- Sarah Crompton, “Review: Lazarus (King's Cross Theatre)” What’s On Stage (Nov 8, 2016)
- Logan Culwell-Block, "Filmed Performance of David Bowie's Lazarus, Starring Michael C. Hall and Sophia Anne Caruso to Stream," Playbill (Dec 17, 2020)
- Hannah Ellis-Petersen, “David Bowie did not know he was dying until final few months,” The Guardian (Jan 6, 2017)
- Andrew Gans, “Brooklyn Screening of David Bowie’s LazarusMusical, Starring Michael C. Hall, Will Feature Live Accompaniment,” Playbill (March 18, 2018)
- Kory Grow, “Film of David Bowie's 'Lazarus' Musical to Get Live Score,” Rolling Stone (March 19, 2018)
- Henry Hitchings, “Lazarus, theatre review: David Bowie show is disappointingly earthbound,” Evening Standard (Nov 9, 2016)
- Robert Holfer, “‘Lazarus’ Theater Review: David Bowie Revisits ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’” The Wrap (Dec 7, 2015)
- Roz Kaveney, “Eyes completely open,” The Times Literary Supplement (Nov 9, 2016)
- Daniel Kreps, “David Bowie's 'Lazarus' Musical Sets London Production,” Rolling Stone (July 25, 2016)
- Daniel Kreps, “David Bowie's Final Recordings to Appear on 'Lazarus' Cast Album,” Rolling Stone (Sept 12, 2016)
- Andrew Leonhardt, “Bowie’s Musical Film ‘Lazarus’ Premieres with Live Score at Kings Theatre,” BK Reader (March 21, 2018)
- Connor O’Brien, “‘Lazarus’ Lays to Rest: A Look at David Bowie’s Theatrical Finale,” Spin (Jan 21, 2016)
- Chris O’Leary, “There’s a Showman, Waiting in the Sky,” Slate (Dec 8, 2015)
- Alexis Petridis, Hadley Freeman, Hannah Jane Parkinson, “Lazarus: ‘A jukebox musical for people who are too hip for We Will Rock You’” The Guardian (Nov 9, 2016)
- Ben Quinn, Caroline Davis, Edward Helmore, “Worldwide tributes to David Bowie: 'His death was a work of art’” The Guardian (Jan 11, 2016)
- James Sallis, “Books,” Fantasy & Science Fiction (July 2000)
- Edward Seckerson, “Lazarus, King's Cross Theatre,” The Arts Desk (Nov 10, 2016)
- Rob Sheffield, “Review: David Bowie's 'Lazarus' Cast Album Features Final Three Songs,” Rolling Stone (Oct 26, 2016)
- Paul Taylor, “Lazarus, King's Cross Theatre, London, review: David Bowie's parting gift to the world,” The Independent (Nov 8, 2016)
- Clint Worthington, “Remembering The Man Who Fell to Earth, Two Years After David Bowie Returned to the Stars,” Consequence of Sound (Jan 7, 2018)
Websites
- Lazarus, “London Cast & Crew,” Accessed via: https://lazarusmusical.com/london-cast-crew
- Lazarus, “Other productions,” Accessed via: https://lazarusmusical.com/other-productions
- New York Theatre Workshop, “Lazarus,” Accessed via: https://www.nytw.org/show/lazarus/
- West End Theatre, “Lazarus,” Accessed via: https://www.westendtheatre.com/42521/shows-archive/david-bowies-lazarus/
Written by Luisa Lyons (April, 2018; updated Dec 2020)