Todrick Hall to present workshop performances of his original new musical MIDNIGHT
Internationally acclaimed artist Todrick Hall will bring his bold new original musical Midnight to London for the first time publicly this autumn, with a workshop presentation playing for seven performances only at Sadler’s Wells East from 11-15 November.
Midnight is a story created with the intention to bring the world together - a celebration of empathy, unity, and love at a time when we need it most. A universal message of humanity.
“HELLO, GOOD MORNING…IT’S A NEW DAY”
Set in America’s South during the nineteenth century, Midnight is a sweeping story of love, conflict, and the search for understanding. Sung-through in the grand tradition of Hamilton, Les Misérables, and Rent, the show’s score blends gospel, rhythm and blues, classical, pop, rock, opera, folk, and classic musical theatre into a stirring, genre-defying tapestry of sound. Through its soaring music and powerful drama, Midnight invites audiences to imagine life through another’s eyes, offering a universal message: we cannot choose the roles we are given in life, but we can choose how we play them.
This workshop has been several years in the making, following an extensive period of development and creative exploration. Earlier this year, two exclusive closed door showings were held in London and New York, offering a select few an early glimpse into Todrick Hall’s bold new musical vision. Now, for the first time, audiences are being invited to step behind the curtain and experience what Hall has been crafting with passion and precision. It is a rare and unusual opportunity to see a show at this stage of development. Midnight promises a soaring score filled with unexpected twists and turns, brought to life by a distinguished company of actors whose talent and artistry illuminate every moment. This workshop presentation marks an exciting step towards a hopeful full scale production in the near future
Todrick Hall said: “I was ten years old when I first dreamed of writing my own musical. But when I looked at the greats: Sondheim, Schwartz, Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein amongst many more - I noticed not only that I looked very different from them, but also that given the roots of my upbringing, I could never have imagined a path for my name to sit alongside theirs. For a long time, I believed that dream might belong to someone else...
“In a pivotal and defining moment for humanity, I decided it was time for me to put pen to paper, and make that dream a reality for myself. I began developing Midnight during the pandemic, at a time when the world felt deeply divided and fractured - politically, socially, and racially. I didn’t have the words to express what I was feeling, but my heart ached for connection.
“So, I turned to music…to the arts. I wanted to create something that could help unify us, something that would compel audiences to imagine what it’s like to walk a mile in each other's shoes, to feel empathy for those less fortunate, and to find patience and understanding for those who have more.
“Midnight is an artistic work with a strong sense of social responsibility and cultural depth. It uses artistic means to call on people to cross racial boundaries, learn to understand, tolerate and empathise.
“Earlier this year, during a private presentation of Midnight held on my birthday, I looked out at an audience of striking contrasts - strong conservatives seated beside passionate liberals, people with opposing perspectives and experiences. I wondered how they might respond to sharing that space for two and a half hours, amongst a story I had created, how this might make them feel or react. My heart could not have felt more pride as when I saw people crying and consoling together, it gave me full-body chills. It was at that moment that I realised that this piece had the power to connect people in a way I could only have hoped for.
“I am, and always have been, a passionate theatre lover. My partner and I have seen 161 musicals in the past two years alone. At this moment, I think people are craving new stories, original music, and experiences that move them, that remind them what it means to be human. That is what I’ve tried to create with Midnight. It’s a story about empathy, identity, & hope, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.
“The workshop development of my musical, Midnight, will receive seven live performances in London, beginning November 11, marking its first public presentation before a paying audience. I hope you will get to be one of the first people to say they were there from the beginning.
“Don’t miss Midnight.”
