From Here to Eternity (musical)
{{Short description|Musical by Stuart Brayson and Tim Rice}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox Musical
| name = From Here to Eternity
| subtitle =
| image =From_Here_To_Eternity_London.jpg
| image_size =250px
| caption =West End production poster
| music = Stuart Brayson
| lyrics = Tim Rice
| book = Bill Oakes
| basis = From Here to Eternity by James Jones
| premiere_date ={{Start date|df=yes|2013|10|23}}
| premiere_location =Shaftesbury Theatre
| productions = 2013 West End
2016 New York
2022 Off West End Revival
| awards =
}}
From Here to Eternity is a musical with music and lyrics by Stuart Brayson and Tim Rice and a book by Bill Oakes. Based on the 1951 novel of the same name by James Jones, the musical made its West End and world premiere in 2013, at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London.
Jones's novel From Here to Eternity was a best-seller and well known for its successful movie adaptation. Jones's manuscript was heavily censored by his publisher to remove profanity and references to gay prostitution; the unexpurgated version was not published until 2011. Once it was, composer Stuart Brayson thought it might be adapted as a musical, and proposed the project to Tim Rice, who acquired the stage rights and wrote the lyrics.
The musical was announced in May 2011 and opened on 23 October 2013, a year later than originally planned. The West End production stars Darius Campbell as Warden, Robert Lonsdale as Private Prewitt, and Ryan Sampson as Maggio. The work received mixed reviews, though Brayson was praised for an imaginative score. The production closed on 29 March 2014, after a run of six and a half months. It later transferred to the United States in 2016.
Synopsis
The musical is set in 1941, at the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, in the months{{cite web | url=http://www.fromheretoeternitythemusical.com/the-show/ | title=The Show | website=From Here to Eternity the Musical | access-date=9 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216232825/http://www.fromheretoeternitythemusical.com/the-show/ | archive-date=16 December 2013}} leading up to the Attack on Pearl Harbor.{{cite web | last=Thompson | first=Warwick | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-24/lovers-dodge-pearl-harbor-attacks-in-tim-rice-musical.html | title=Lovers Dodge Pearl Harbor Attacks in Tim Rice Musical | publisher=Bloomberg | work=bloomberg.com | date=25 October 2013 | access-date=10 March 2014}} The story tells the tale of G Company, in particular First Sergeant Milt Warden, who begins an affair with his captain's wife Karen,{{cite web | last=Lukowski | first=Andrzej | url=http://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/from-here-to-eternity | title=From Here to Eternity | work=Time Out | date=23 October 2013 | access-date=3 November 2013}} insubordinate soldier{{cite web | last=Dunn | first=Carrie | url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Reviews-FROM-HERE-TO-ETERNITY-Shaftesbury-Theatre-October-19-2013-20131023 | title=FROM HERE TO ETERNITY, Shaftesbury Theatre, October 19, 2013 | website=BroadwayWorld | date=24 October 2013 | access-date=9 December 2013}} and male hustler Maggio{{cite web | last=Cohen | first=Stefanie | url=https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303382004579125460825956736 | title=Tim Rice's Musical 'From Here to Eternity' to Open in London |work=The Wall Street Journal | date=10 October 2013 | access-date=9 December 2013}} and Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt, an infantryman from Kentucky and self-described "thirty-year man" (a career soldier),{{cite web | last=Coveney | first=Michael | url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/reviews/10-2013/from-here-to-eternity_32399.html | title=From Here to Eternity | website=WhatsOnStage | date=23 October 2013 | access-date=3 November 2013}} who falls in love with prostitute Lorene. Because he blinded a fellow soldier while boxing, the stubborn Prewitt refuses to box for his company's outfit led by Captain Dana "Dynamite" Holmes and then resists the "Treatment," a daily hazing ritual in which the non-commissioned officers of his company run him into the ground.{{cite web | last=Cavendish | first=Dominic | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/10400523/From-Here-to-Eternity-Shaftesbury-Theatre-review.html | title=From Here to Eternity, Shaftesbury Theatre, review | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=23 October 2013 | access-date=3 November 2013}}{{cite web | url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/39082/from-here-to-eternity | title=From Here to Eternity |work=The Stage | date=24 October 2013 | access-date=3 November 2013}}
Background
The basis of the musical is the 1951 novel From Here to Eternity by James Jones.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20093612 | title=Tim Rice musical set for West End | website=BBC News | date=26 October 2012 | access-date=24 June 2013}} In 1941, Jones was serving with the US Army in Hawaii, at the time of Pearl Harbor, and the novel was loosely based on his experiences{{cite web | last=Page | first=Benedicte | url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/apr/05/censored-gay-sex-from-here-eternity | title=Censored gay sex in From Here to Eternity restored for new edition | work=The Guardian | date=5 April 2011 | access-date=21 November 2013}} in the 27th Infantry Regiment. It focuses on the lives of a group of soldiers in the months leading up to the attack,{{cite news | last=Bosman | first=Julie | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/05/books/james-joness-from-here-to-eternity-is-uncensored.html | title=Author's Heirs Uncensor a Classic War Novel | work=The New York Times | date=4 April 2011 | access-date=21 November 2013}} in particular Private Prewitt, a boxer who no longer wants to fight having blinded an opponent, and Sergeant Milt Warden, who has an affair with the wife of his commanding officer.{{cite book |last=Jones |first=James |author-link=James Jones (author) |year=1951|title=From Here to Eternity|isbn=978-0-385-33364-1}}
James's story was censored by its publisher, Scribner as it would not allow profanity and gay prostitution.{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Kaylie | url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2009/11/10/was-a-wwii-classic-too-gay.html | title=Was a WWII Classic Too Gay? | work=The Daily Beast | publisher=thedailybeast.com | date=10 November 2009 | access-date=21 November 2013}} to remain in the text.{{cite web | last=Kellogg | first=Carolyn | url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2011/04/profanity-and-more-to-be-found-in-from-here-to-eternity-uncensored-ebook.html | title=Profanity and more to be found in uncensored 'From Here to Eternity' e-book |work=Los Angeles Times | date=5 April 2011 | access-date=21 November 2013}} Jones fought the censorship but had to back down; despite this it won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1952{{cite web | url=https://www.nationalbook.org/awards-prizes/national-book-awards-1952#.Uo51E6WFX8s | title=National Book Awards – 1952 | website=National Book Foundation | access-date=21 November 2013}} and is recognised as one of the twentieth century's best American novels. The title of From Here to Eternity is inspired by Rudyard Kipling's poem "Gentlemen-Rankers", in particular the line "damned from here to Eternity". Two years later in 1953, it was adapted into a film starring Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, Frank Sinatra, Donna Reed and Ernest Borgnine{{cite news | last=W. | first=A. | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/06/archives/the-screen-in-review-from-here-to-eternity-bows-at-capitol-with.html | title=THE SCREEN IN REVIEW; " From Here to Eternity' Bows at Capitol With Huge Cast, Five Starring Roles | work=The New York Times | date=6 August 1953 | access-date=12 August 2022}} which achieved success at the box office and won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/18738/From-Here-to-Eternity/overview | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227184045/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/18738/From-Here-to-Eternity/overview | url-status=dead | archive-date=27 December 2013 | department=Movies & TV Dept. | work=The New York Times | author=Hal Erickson | title=From Here to Eternity (1953) | author-link=Hal Erickson (author) | date=2013 | access-date=26 January 2014}} The movie was also initially deemed controversial because of the source text's critical views on the Army, with minor changes being made to the script to gain the military's co-operation.{{cite web | last=Gritten | first=David | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/classic-movies/7992727/From-Here-to-Eternity-Why-Eternity-will-endure-for-ever.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100911095129/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/classic-movies/7992727/From-Here-to-Eternity-Why-Eternity-will-endure-for-ever.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=11 September 2010 | title=From Here to Eternity: Why 'Eternity' will endure for ever | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=9 September 2010 | access-date=22 November 2013}} The uncensored version of the novel was released in May 2011, initially as an e-book.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12983569 | title=From Here to Eternity uncensored 60 years later | publisher=BBC News | work=bbc.co.uk/news | date=6 April 2011 | access-date=21 November 2013}}
The idea for the musical came from Stuart Brayson, who had been sending cassette tapes with music ideas to Tim Rice since they had first met in the 1980s,{{cite web | url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/tim-rice-how-to-get-ahead-in-musicals | title=Tim Rice: How to get ahead in musicals | work=The Spectator | date=19 October 2013 | access-date=12 August 2022}} when Brayson was a member of the band Pop. In 2002, Brayson sent Rice a tape of music and lyrics to form the basis of a stage version of From Here to Eternity. Rice liked the idea but only intended to produce the show, however after Bill Oakes had been hired to write the book gaps appeared where new songs were needed and some no longer fitted within the context of the show. Rice agreed to write around six new songs, but ultimately ended up writing around 90% of the show's lyrics inspired by Brayson's original lyrics.{{cite web | last=Rees | first=Jasper | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-features/10340540/Sir-Tim-Rice-I-never-wanted-to-do-another-show.html | title=Sir Tim Rice: "I never wanted to do another show" | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=28 September 2013 | access-date=17 November 2013}} On the subject Rice said: "Stuart's were very good, but they weren't theatrical and there is a difference. I often wish I could write great rock lyrics, but I can't, however, I can do reasonable lyrics within the context of a show. There are people who can write good tunes, but few who can do theatrical lyrics."{{cite web | last=Easdale | first=Roderick | url=http://www.fromheretoeternitythemusical.com/news-and-reviews/pdf/Country_Life_Feature_25-09-2013.pdf | title=Eternity's worth waiting for | website=Country Life | date=25 September 2013 | access-date=17 November 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203022127/http://www.fromheretoeternitythemusical.com/news-and-reviews/pdf/Country_Life_Feature_25-09-2013.pdf | archive-date=3 December 2013}}
In May 2011, Tim Rice and Lee Menzie announced that an adaption was being planned.{{cite web | url=http://www.westendtheatre.com/13701/theatre-press-releases/tim-rice-lee-menzies-present-from-here-to-eternity-a-new-musical-version/ | title=Tim Rice & Lee Menzies present From Here To Eternity, a new musical version | website=West End Theatre | date=27 May 2011 | access-date=25 June 2013}} Rice acquired the stage rights at an initial cost of around US$40,000,{{cite web | last=Amer | first=Matthew | url=http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/backstage-pass/article/item198901/in-conversation-from-here-to-eternitys-tim-rice-stuart-brayson/ | title=In Conversation: From Here to Eternity{{'}}s Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson | website=Official London Theatre | date=9 October 2013 | access-date=26 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191154/http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/backstage-pass/article/item198901/in-conversation-from-here-to-eternitys-tim-rice-stuart-brayson/ | archive-date=29 October 2013}} with the intention of opening the show in London the following year.{{cite web | url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/west-end-theatre/news/05-2011/rice-goes-from-here-to-eternity-with-2012-show_8790.html | title=Rice Goes From Here to Eternity with 2012 Show | website=WhatsOnStage | date=27 May 2011 | access-date=25 June 2013}}{{cite web | url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/156565/musical-version-of-from-here-to-eternity-to-hit-the-london-stage-in-2012/ | title=Musical Version of From Here to Eternity to Hit the London Stage in 2012 | website=Broadway.com | date=27 May 2011 | access-date=12 August 2022}} Although the show did not ultimately open until 2013, a workshop of the show took place in 2012.{{cite web | last=Lang | first=Kirsty | url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/culture/arts/theatre/article1327835.ece | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220200722/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/culture/arts/theatre/article1327835.ece | url-status=dead | archive-date=20 December 2013 | title=His dark musical | publisher=thesundaytimes.co.uk | work=Sunday Times | date=20 October 2013 | access-date=26 October 2013}}
As the show is based on the uncensored novel released in 2011, rather than the 1953 film adaptation, it contains references to prostitution and gay sex, as well as the Army's investigation into them, that the film did not feature. The right to create the musical adaptation came with the condition that it had to be based on the original book. James Jones's daughter Kaylie and son Jamie were in the audience for the show's opening night in London. During its preview period some people walked out of the performance, having been unprepared for the nudity and swearing in the production.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24566163 | title=Sir Tim Rice returns to the West End with new musical | publisher=BBC News | work=bbc.co.uk/news | date=17 October 2013 | access-date=25 November 2013}} Darius Campbell who played First Sergeant Milt Warden, said that the "James Jones novel really portrayed homosexuality and prostitution in the way that it existed in those days and we've dived in head first. Maybe some of the nudity, swearing and explicitness have been too much for them, but a younger audience and an audience who have loved the film – and wanted to see more – have been giving us standing ovations and for that we are all grateful."{{cite web | last=Masters | first=Tim | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24639764 | title=Sir Tim Rice unveils West End show | publisher=BBC News | work=bbc.co.uk/news | date=24 October 2013 | access-date=26 October 2013}} Kaylie admitted they had doubts about the idea of the show when it first came up, but added that "I'm thrilled—it's so sophisticated and moving." She also noted that she "was so delighted they put in the gay bar scenes, because my dad said this is just the way it was back then" and that "my father would have been amazed".
=Themes=
The show contains many adult themes,{{cite web | last=Lukes | first=Edward | url=http://www.thelondonmagazine.co.uk/going-out/reviews/from-here-to-eternity-at-the-shaftesbury-theatre.html | title=From Here To Eternity at the Shaftesbury Theatre | work=The London Magazine | publisher=thelondonmagazine.co.uk | date=24 October 2013 | access-date=11 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216071655/http://www.thelondonmagazine.co.uk/going-out/reviews/from-here-to-eternity-at-the-shaftesbury-theatre.html | archive-date=16 December 2013}} including, gay men in the United States military, prostitution,{{cite web | last=Bosanquet | first=Theo | url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/10-2013/brief-encounter-with-from-here-to-eternitys-darius_32373.html | title=Brief Encounter with... From Here to Eternity{{'}}s Darius Campbell | website=WhatsOnStage | date=21 October 2013 | access-date=11 December 2013}} bullying and the effects of war. As a result of these themes, the show is recommended for children aged 13 onwards.{{cite web | url=http://boxoffice.telegraph.co.uk/tickets/from-here-to-eternity | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616172318/http://boxoffice.telegraph.co.uk/tickets/from-here-to-eternity | url-status=dead | archive-date=16 June 2013 | title=From Here To Eternity at the Shaftesbury Theatre | work=The Daily Telegraph | access-date=11 December 2013}}
Production history
=West End (2013)=
File:Male Ensemble From Here to Eternity.jpg
On 26 October 2012, producers announced that the show would play the Shaftesbury Theatre{{cite web | last=Shenton | first=Mark | url=https://www.playbill.com/article/from-here-to-eternity-musical-version-of-the-novel-to-open-at-west-ends-shaftesbury-theatre-in-october-2013-com-199069 | title=From Here to Eternity, Musical Version of the Novel, to Open at West End's Shaftesbury Theatre in October 2013 | publisher=Playbill | work=playbill.com | date=26 October 2012 | access-date=12 August 2022 | df=dmy-all }} from September 2013, with tickets going on sale in April.{{cite web | url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/west-end-theatre/news/04-2013/box-office-opens-today-for-from-here-to-eternity-m_650.html | title=Box office opens today for From Here to Eternity musical premiere | website=WhatsOnStage | date=5 April 2013 | access-date=25 June 2013}} The show has a book by Bill Oakes and is directed by Tamara Harvey,{{cite web | last=Hemley | first=Matthew | url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/production/2012/10/tim-rice-musical-from-here-to-eternity-set-for-2013-run-at-the-shaftesbury-theatre/ | title=Tim Rice musical From Here to Eternity set for 2013 run at the Shaftesbury Theatre |work=The Stage | date=26 October 2012 | access-date=25 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192521/http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/production/2012/10/tim-rice-musical-from-here-to-eternity-set-for-2013-run-at-the-shaftesbury-theatre/ | archive-date=29 October 2013}} with choreography by Javier De Frutos, orchestrations by David White, set and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Bruno Poet and sound design by Mick Potter.{{cite web | url=http://www.fromheretoeternitythemusical.com/cast-and-creative/ | title=Cast & Creative Team | website=From Here to Eternity the Musical | access-date=25 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616165251/http://www.fromheretoeternitythemusical.com/cast-and-creative/ | archive-date=16 June 2013}} The musical features an original score,{{cite web | last=Nikkhah | first=Roya | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/9164512/Sir-Tim-Rice-on-his-new-musical-and-working-with-Andrew-Lloyd-Webber.html | title=Sir Tim Rice on his new musical and working with Andrew Lloyd Webber | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=25 March 2012 | access-date=25 June 2013}} with music by Stuart Brayson and lyrics by Tim Rice.{{cite web | url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/west-end-theatre/news/10-2012/from-here-to-eternity-musical-premieres-at-west-en_2282.html | title=From Here to Eternity musical premieres at West End's Shaftesbury Theatre, Oct 2013 | website=WhatsOnStage | date=25 October 2012 | access-date=25 June 2013}} The musical adaption marked Rice's first entirely new show since Aida{{cite web | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/a-glimpse-of-eternity-west-end-live-to-get-preview-of-tim-rice-show-8664430.html | title=West End Live to get preview of Tim Rice show | publisher=London Evening Standard | work=standard.co.uk | date=19 June 2013 | access-date=25 June 2013}} and Brayson's first West End musical.{{cite news | last=Wolf | first=Matt | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/30/arts/international/across-a-span-of-realism-in-london-theater.html?_r=0 | title=Across a Span of Realism in London Theater | work=The New York Times | date=29 October 2013 | access-date=21 November 2013}} Former US Marine Ray Elliott, also head of the James Jones literary society, was hired to ensure an accurate picture of military life for the era. Elliott read the script to ensure it was realistic, ran military drills, taught the cast how to salute all ranks and how to hold rifles correctly. The show received its first public outing as part of West End Live in June 2013,{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22569669 | title=Trafalgar Square marks 350 years of West End theatre | website=BBC News | date=24 May 2013 | access-date=25 June 2013}}{{cite web | url=http://broadwayworld.com/article/STAGE-TUBE-Tim-Rice-Introduces-FROM-HERE-TO-ETERNITY-at-WEST-END-LIVE-2013-20130622 | title=Tim Rice Introduces FROM HERE TO ETERNITY at WEST END LIVE 2013! | website=BroadwayWorld | date=22 June 2013 | access-date=25 June 2013}} with star Robert Lonsdale singing "Fight the Fight".{{cite web | last=Bosanquet | first=Theo | url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/06-2013/robert-lonsdale-plays-private-prewitt-in-from-here_31095.html | title=Robert Lonsdale plays Private Prewitt in From Here to Eternity | website=WhatsOnStage | date=24 June 2013 | access-date=25 June 2013}}
On 1 July 2013, full casting was announced with Darius Campbell playing Warden,{{cite web | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/pop-idol-finalist-darius-takes-burt-lancaster-role-in-from-here-to-eternity-musical-8681338.html | title=Pop Idol finalist Darius takes Burt Lancaster role in musical remake | work=London Evening Standard | date=1 July 2013 | access-date=1 July 2013}} Robert Lonsdale playing Private Prewitt, Ryan Sampson playing Maggio, Siubhan Harrison playing Lorene and Rebecca Thornhill playing Karen.{{cite web | url=http://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/1235/Darius-Campbell-leads-cast-of-From-Here-To-Eternity.aspx | title=Darius Campbell leads cast of From Here to Eternity | website=London Theatre Direct | date=1 July 2013 | access-date=1 July 2013 | last1=Limited | first1=London Theatre Direct }} From Here to Eternity began previews on 30 September 2013,{{cite web | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/musicals-in-london-8490666.html?origin=internalSearch | title=Musicals in London | publisher=London Evening Standard | work=standard.co.uk | date=12 February 2013 | access-date=25 June 2013}} at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, and held its official opening gala night on 23 October.{{cite web | url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Tim-Rice-to-Bring-FROM-HERE-TO-ETERNITY-Musical-Adaptation-to-Shaftesbury-Theatre-Fall-2013-20121025 | title=Tim Rice to Bring FROM HERE TO ETERNITY Musical Adaptation to Shaftesbury Theatre, Fall 2013 | website=BroadwayWorld | date=25 October 2013 | access-date=25 June 2013}} In all the London production features a cast of thirty three{{cite web | last=Marlowe | first=Sam | url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/17/from-here-to-eternity-is-the-perfect-mix-of-heroes-and-hula-4148837/ | title=From Here To Eternity is the perfect mix of heroes and hula | publisher=Metro | work=Metro|location=UK | date=17 October 2013 | access-date=28 October 2013}} and a fifteen-member band.{{cite web | last=Benedict | first=David | url=https://variety.com/2013/legit/reviews/west-end-review-from-here-to-eternity-1200755273/ | title=West End Review: 'From Here to Eternity' | work=Variety | date=23 October 2013 | access-date=26 October 2013}} A typical London performance runs two hours and 50 minutes, including one interval of 15 mins.{{cite web | url=https://twitter.com/FHTEMusical/status/386486802887876608 | title=Run Time | publisher=From Here To Eternity | work=twitter.com | date=5 October 2013 | access-date=7 October 2013}}
On 29 November 2013, it was announced the production would close on 26 April 2014,{{cite web | url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/11-2013/from-here-to-eternity-posts-west-end-closing-notic_32799.html | title=From Here to Eternity posts West End closing notices for April | website=WhatsOnStage | date=29 November 2013 | access-date=29 November 2013}} after a {{frac|7|1|2}}-month run, with the possibility of reopening at another theatre.{{cite web | last=Peterson | first=Tyler | url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Military-Wives-Choir-to-Make-Special-Appearance-at-FROM-HERE-TO-ETERNITY-this-Weekend-20131202# | title=Military Wives Choir to Make Special Appearance at FROM HERE TO ETERNITY this Weekend | website=BroadwayWorld | date=2 December 2013 | access-date=7 December 2013}} The closure was later brought forward a month to 29 March.{{cite web | last=Shenton | first=Mark | url=https://playbill.com/article/west-ends-from-here-to-eternity-to-shutter-at-shaftesbury-theatre-com-214013 | title=West End's From Here to Eternity to Shutter at Shaftesbury Theatre | publisher=Playbill | work=playbill.com | date=21 January 2014 | access-date=12 August 2022 | df=dmy-all }}{{cite web | last=Hemley | first=Matthew | url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/production/2014/01/eternity-close-even-earlier-planned/ | title=From Here to Eternity to close even earlier than planned | publisher=The Stage | work=thestage.co.uk | date=22 January 2014 | access-date=22 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203134638/http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/production/2014/01/eternity-close-even-earlier-planned/ | archive-date=3 February 2014}} To mark the 72nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor on 7 December 2013,{{cite web | url=https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/military-wives-perform-with-eternity-207115/ | title=Military Wives perform with Eternity | website=Official London Theatre | date=2 December 2013 | access-date=12 August 2022}} the cast joined with The Military Wives choir for a special post curtain rendition of the song "The Boys of '41".{{cite web | last=Dunn | first=Carrie | url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Photo-Coverage-Military-Wives-Sing-With-Cast-Of-FROM-HERE-TO-ETERNITY-20131209 | title=Photo Coverage: Military Wives Sing With Cast Of FROM HERE TO ETERNITY | website=BroadwayWorld | date=9 December 2013 | access-date=9 December 2013}}
= US Premiere (2016) =
June 29, 2016 saw the production's US premiere at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival in New York.{{Cite web|last=Clement|first=Olivia|date=29 June 2016|title=From Here to Eternity Kicks Off U.S. Debut Run Today|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/from-here-to-eternity-kicks-off-us-debut-run-today|website=Playbill|access-date=12 August 2022}}
= Off-West End Revival (2022) =
A newly revised production played the Charing Cross Theatre from 29 October 2022 to 17 December 2022.{{Cite web |title=From Here To Eternity at Charing Cross Theatre |url=https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/from-here-to-eternity |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Charing Cross Theatre}} The production was directed by Brett Smock, with orchestrations and new musical arrangements by Nick J Barstow, set and costume design by Stewart J. Charlesworth, choreography by Cressida Carré, lighting design by Adam King, projection design by Louise Rhodes-Brown, and casting by Jane Deitch.{{Cite web |title=From Here To Eternity |date=13 October 2022 |url=https://southwarknews.co.uk/lifestyle/theatre/from-here-to-eternity/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |language=en-GB}} This production was significantly different from the original West End one, with a completely rewritten book and lots of changes made to the musical numbers, since the female ensemble was cut and the cast size reduced.{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Greg |date=2022-11-08 |title=Review: From Here to Eternity at The Charing Cross Theatre |url=https://theatreweekly.com/review-from-here-to-eternity-at-the-charing-cross-theatre/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=Theatre Weekly |language=en-GB}}
Music
Brayson's music features a mix of blues, swing, big band, and rock 'n' roll numbers.{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Sam | url=http://londonist.com/2013/10/will-tim-rices-new-musical-last-from-here-to-eternity.php | title=Will Tim Rice's New Musical Last From Here to Eternity? | website=The Londonist | date=25 October 2013 | access-date=9 November 2013}} The musical uses a fifteen-member orchestra consisting of keyboard, cello, ukulele, flute, saxophone, clarinet, flugelhorn, trumpet, bugle, trombone, tuba, French horn, guitar, bass, drums, percussion and harmonica.{{cite journal |journal=Shaftesbury Theatre Programme |title=From Here to Eternity the Musical |date=October 2013 |page=24}} On the show's music Alexander Gilmour, writing for Financial Times said that the show: "has half a dozen numbers that bring the house down", and that "it feels grown-up. It has a certain grit. It's moving. You might just cry, fall in love, hum yourself to sleep to the tune of 'Thirty Year Man', wake up and join the army."{{cite web | last=Gilmour | first=Alexander | url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/f60b681e-3c97-11e3-a8c4-00144feab7de.html#axzz2jcbkcESd | title=From Here to Eternity, Shaftesbury Theatre, London | work=Financial Times | date=25 October 2013 | access-date=3 November 2013}}
=Musical numbers (2013 West End production)=
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
- "Prologue" – Maggio
- "G Company Blues" – The Men of G Company
- "Thirty Year Man" – Prewitt, The Men of G Company
- "Another Language" – Karen
- "Sure" – Warden
- "Don'cha Like Hawaii" – Mrs. Kipfer, The New Congress Club Trio, Company
- "You Got The Money" – Lorene, The Girls of the New Congress Club
- "The Treatment" – Prewitt
- "Marking Time" – Warden
- "Fight The Fight" – Prewitt, The Men of G Company
- "Run Along Joe" – Lorene
- "You Got The Money" (reprise) – Drag Queen
- "Fight The Fight" (reprise) – Prewitt
- "More Than America" – Warden, Karen, Company
{{col-2}}
- "Thirty Year Man" (reprise) – The Men of G Company
- "Love Me Forever Today" – Prewitt, Lorene
- "I Love The Army" – Maggio
- "Ain't Where I Wanna Be Blues" – Prewitt, Warden
- "G Company Blues" (boxing reprise) – The Men of G Company
- "Maybe" – Karen
- "Something in Return" – Warden, Prewitt, Karen, Lorene, Maggio, Company
- "Fight The Fight" (reprise) – Prewitt
- "From Here To Eternity" – Karen, Warden, Lorene, Prewitt
- "The Boys of '41"– The Ladies
- "Run Along Joe" (reprise)– Lorene
- "Almost Perfect Lie" – Prewitt
- "Finale"– Company
{{col-end}}
= Musical numbers (2022 Off-West End revival) =
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
; Act I
- "G Company Blues" – The Men of G Company
- "Thirty Year Man" – Prewitt, The Men of G Company
- "More To Life Than This" – Karen
- "I Know What You Came For" – Mrs. Kipfer
- "From Here To Eternity" – The Men of G Company
- "At Ease" – Warden
- "Love Me Forever Today" – Prewitt, Lorene
- "Thirty Year Man" (reprise) — Warden, The Men of G Company{{col-2}}
; Act II
- "Ain't Where I Wanna Be Blues" – Prewitt, Warden
- "I Love The Army" – Maggio
- "Fight The Fight" – Prewitt
- "Run Along Joe" – Lorene
- "I Love The Army" (reprise) – Maggio
- "I'll Remember The Day" – Karen
- "The Boys of '41" – Karen, Lorene, Mrs. Kipfer
- "Run Along Joe" (reprise) – Lorene
- "Almost Perfect Lie" – Prewitt
- "Finale" – Company{{col-end}}
=Recordings=
{{Infobox album
| name = From Here to Eternity the Musical Live Cast Recording
| type = soundtrack
| longtype = cast recording
| artist = Various
| cover =
| alt =
| released = {{Start date|2014|07|03|df=y}}
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre =
| length = {{Duration|h=1|m=03|s=59}}
| label =
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
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}}
The song "Fight the Fight" from the show was recorded and released by Michael Ball as part of his Both Sides Now album in February 2013.{{cite web|last=Gans |first=Andrew |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/michael-ball-cd-both-sides-now-features-new-songs-by-tim-rice-andrew-lloyd-webber-plus-suddenly-from-les-miz-film-com-202832 |title=Michael Ball CD, 'Both Sides Now,' Features New Songs by Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber Plus 'Suddenly' from 'Les Miz' Film |work=Playbill |date=26 February 2013 |access-date=12 August 2022 |df=dmy }}{{cite web | url=http://www.michaelball.co.uk/news.php?s=1&id=40 | title=Michael Ball Releases Both Sides Now on 25 February | work=Michael Ball | publisher=Michael Ball | access-date=25 June 2013}} The same track was later released as a digital download in December 2013, sung by Robert Lonsdale. In July 2013, Rice allowed Clare Teal to record another song from the show, "Another Language", for release on her album And So It Goes.{{cite web | last=Cerasaro | first=Pat | url=http://broadwayworld.com/article/Teal-Sings-New-FROM-HERE-TO-ETERNITY-Track-20130711# | title=Teal Sings New FROM HERE TO ETERNITY Track | website=BroadwayWorld | date=11 July 2013 | access-date=12 July 2013}} In February 2014, Rice announced that a cast album would be recorded, prior to the show's West End closure.{{cite web | last=Cerasaro | first=Pat | url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Tim-Rice-Confirms-FROM-HERE-TO-ETERNITY-Cast-Recording-20140210# | title=Tim Rice Confirms FROM HERE TO ETERNITY Cast Recording | publisher=BroadwayWorld | work=broadwayworld.com | date=10 February 2014 | access-date=11 February 2014}} The original London cast recording was released as a digital download on 3 July 2014, with the physical release following on 4 August.{{cite web | last=Cerasaro | first=Pat | url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/FROM-HERE-TO-ETERNITY-Cast-Recording-Now-Available-On-iTunes-Out-On-CD-84-20140801#.U-Jx0laFX8s | title=FROM HERE TO ETERNITY Cast Recording Out On CD Today | publisher=BroadwayWorld | work=broadwayworld.com | date=4 August 2014 | access-date=6 August 2014}}
==Cast album==
{{Track listing
| extra_column =
| title1 =Overture
| length1 =2:19
| title2 =G Company Blues
| length2 =3:36
| title3 =Thirty Year Man
| length3 = 3:03
| title4 = Another Language
| length4 = 3:05
| title5 = Don'cha Like Hawaii
| length5 = 3:28
| title6 = You Got The Money
| length6 = 2:53
| title7 =Marking Time
| length7 = 2:44
| title8 = Fight The Fight
| length8 =2:42
| title9 = Run Along Joe
| length9 =3:28
| title10 =More Than America
| length10 = 4:00
| title11 =Thirty Year Man (reprise)
| length11 = 3:51
| title12 =Love Me Forever Today
| length12 = 3:33
| title13 =I Love The Army
| length13 = 4:52
| title14 = Ain't Where I Wanna Be Blues
| length14 = 2:45
| title15 = Maybe
| length15 = 3:58
| title16 =Something In Return
| length16 = 3:34
| title17 =The Boys Of '41
| length17 =2:56
| title18 =Almost Perfect Lie
| length18 = 2:58
| title19 =Finale – G Company Blues/ The Boys of '41
| length19 = 4:14
}}
{{clear}}
Principal roles and cast members
| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:60%;" |
| scope="col" | Character
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Original West End Cast (2013){{cite web | last=Dunn | first=Carrie | url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Darius-Campbell-Confirmed-In-FROM-HERE-TO-ETERNITY-From-Sept-2013-20130701 | title=Darius Campbell, Siubhan Harrison and More Star in FROM HERE TO ETERNITY | website=BroadwayWorld | date=1 July 2013 | access-date=1 July 2013}} |
|---|
| scope="row"|Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt
| style="text-align:center;"|Robert Lonsdale | style="text-align:center;"|Jonathon Bentley |
| scope="row"|First Sergeant Milt Warden
| style="text-align:center;"|Darius Campbell | style="text-align:center;"|Adam Rhys-Charles |
| scope="row"|Karen Holmes
| style="text-align:center;"|Rebecca Thornhill | style="text-align:center;"|Carley Stenson |
| scope="row"|Lorene
| style="text-align:center;"|Siubhan Harrison | style="text-align:center;"|Desmonda Cathabel |
| scope="row"|Private Angelo Maggio
| style="text-align:center;"|Ryan Sampson | style="text-align:center;"|Jonny Amies |
| scope="row"|Captain Dana Holmes
| style="text-align:center;"|Martin Marquez | style="text-align:center;"|Alan Turkington |
| scope="row"|Sergeant Ike Galovitch
| style="text-align:center;"|David Stoller | style="text-align:center;"|Rhys Nuttall |
| scope="row"|Sergeant "Fatso" Judson
| style="text-align:center;"|Brian Doherty | style="text-align:center;"|Leonard Cook |
| scope="row"|Private Clark
| style="text-align:center;"|Marc Antolin | style="text-align:center;"|Callum Henderson |
| scope="row"|Private Anderson
| style="text-align:center;"|Warren Sollars | style="text-align:center;"|James Mateo-Salt |
| scope="row"|Private Isaac Bloom
| style="text-align:center;"|Joshua Lacey | style="text-align:center;"|Jack Ofrecio |
| scope="row"|Mrs. Kipfer
| style="text-align:center;"|Julie Armstong | style="text-align:center;"|Eve Polycarpou |
Critical reception
Michael Billington of The Guardian noted that the original novel had helped offset overly heroic images of the American soldier, but in the wake of Abu Ghraib, the view of the military was already mixed, "why now, and what does music add to the story?"{{cite web | last=Billington | first=Michael | url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/oct/23/from-here-eternity-review | title=From Here to Eternity – review | work=The Guardian | date=23 October 2013 | access-date=26 November 2013}} Simon Edge of the Daily Express deemed the show "a commendably ambitious work that makes a refreshing addition to the West End menu."{{cite web | last=Edge | first=Simon | url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/438752/From-Here-to-Eternity-at-the-Shaftesbury-Theatre-review | title=From Here to Eternity at the Shaftesbury Theatre - review | work=Daily Express | date=24 October 2013 | access-date=3 November 2013}} Paul Taylor of The Independent suggested, "For all the show's many defects, though, you come away impressed by its seriousness of purpose".{{cite news | last=Taylor | first=Paul | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/review-from-here-to-eternity--sir-tim-rices-musical-has-many-faults-but-it-wins-you-over-8899785.html | title=Review: From Here to Eternity - Sir Tim Rice's musical has many faults, but it wins you over | work=The Independent | date=24 October 2013 | access-date=26 November 2013}}
Taylor praised the music: "Brayson's catchy score, which moves deftly through swing, blues, jazz and early rock'n'roll can rise to good old showbiz brassiness when needed". Henry Hitchings of the Evening Standard gave a mixed view of the music, "There are seductive melodies and a couple of genuinely catchy songs. But it never settles into a single confident idiom, and between the big numbers there are lulls, especially in the overlong first half."{{cite web | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/from-here-to-eternity-shaftesbury-theatre--theatre-review-8900725.html | title=From Here to Eternity, Shaftesbury Theatre - theatre review | publisher=London Evening Standard | work=standard.co.uk | date=29 October 2013 | access-date=26 November 2013}}
Taylor predicted on 24 October 2013, "Wags have quipped that it should be called From Here to November. But I reckon it's going to survive quite a bit longer than that."
Awards and nominations
On 6 December 2013, it was announced the production had received four WhatsOnStage Awards nominations,{{cite web | url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/bath-theatre/news/12-2013/new-musicals-the-audience-grandage-and-lloyd-seaso_32861.html?cid=rssfeed-tag-whatsonstage-awards | title=New musicals, The Audience, Grandage and Lloyd seasons lead 2014 WhatsOnStage Awards shortlists | website=WhatsOnStage | date=6 December 2013 | access-date=6 December 2013}} including Best New Musical.{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Mark | url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/dec/06/daniel-radcliffe-rupert-grint-whatsonstage-awards | title=Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint up for WhatsOn Stage awards | work=The Guardian | date=6 December 2013 | access-date=6 December 2013}} Ultimately the production did not win in any of the four categories.{{cite web | url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/-theatre/news/02-2014/book-of-mormon-harry-potter-stars-and-open-air-the_33626.html?cid=rssfeed-tag-whatsonstage-awards | title=Book of Mormon, Harry Potter stars and Open Air Theatre among 2014 WhatsOnStage Award winners | publisher=WhatsOnStage | work=whatsonstage.com | date=23 February 2014 | access-date=23 February 2014}} Although eligible,{{cite web | url=http://www.olivierawards.com/info/faq/ | title=Olivier Awards FAQ | publisher=Laurence Olivier Award | work=olivierawards.com | access-date=11 March 2014}} the musical did not receive any nominations for the 2014 Laurence Olivier Awards.{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Mark | url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/mar/10/olivier-awards-2014-musicals-lead-nominations-almeida | title=Olivier awards 2014: musicals lead nominations | work=The Guardian | date=10 March 2014 | access-date=11 March 2014}}{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/mar/10/olivier-awards-2014-full-list-nominations | title=Olivier awards 2014 – full nominations | work=The Guardian | date=10 March 2014 | access-date=11 March 2014}}
Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{YouTube|user=FHTEMusical|From Here To Eternity}}
- {{Twitter}}
{{Tim Rice}}
{{James Jones (author)}}
{{good article}}
Category:Musicals based on novels
Category:Musicals set in Hawaii
Category:Musicals about World War II