WHO KILLED MARILYN? to make world premiere at Emerald Theatre this summer
It has been announced that Who Killed Marilyn?, a new play that investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding Marilyn Monroe’s death, will make its world premiere at London’s Emerald Theatre for eleven weeks from 15 August - 29 October.
Who Killed Marilyn? is a bold new play that dares to challenge the most enduring myth surrounding one of the twentieth century's most iconic women. Drawing on decades of documented evidence, conspiracy, and cover-up, the production presents a vivid and provocative re-examination of the life and death of Marilyn Monroe, placing her at the centre of a web of power, politics, and desire that reached the highest levels of American government and organised crime.
Who Killed Marilyn? restores Marilyn Monroe to her rightful place, not as victim, but as a woman of extraordinary intelligence, wit, and force, whose story has never been fully told. Until now.
Book writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen said: “My fascination with the real Marilyn Monroe has occupied me while writing this play. Marilyn's persona spoke to me, and I have honoured that. I am thrilled to see my play, a validation of Marilyn Monroe, on the 100th anniversary of her birth. I am delighted to be working with Tegan Summer Theatricals at the gorgeous Emerald Theatre.”
Director Philip Wm. McKinley said: “When Tegan Summer invited me to join forces with him and author Sharleen Cooper Cohen for the world premiere of the play exploring the mysterious death of Marilyn Monroe, I answered with a resounding and heartfelt “yes.” As a director captivated by Marilyn’s untold stories and determined to illuminate hidden truths, I am thrilled to bring a bold, investigative lens to unravelling the enigma at the heart of “Who Killed Marilyn Monroe.”
Producer Tegan Summer said: “Marilyn Monroe has been with me for many years. Sharleen Cooper Cohen has finally told the story Marilyn was never allowed to tell, and in doing so has reopened a conversation the world closed too soon. When I read this play, I knew it had to be produced on the London stage. Under Philip McKinley's direction, audiences will question everything they thought they knew about her. Who Killed Marilyn? changes the conversation.”
Also on the creative team are casting director Rob Kelly, set designer Justin Williams, costume designer Jasmine Swan, lighting designer Jack Weir, sound designer Christopher Reid, AV designer Libby Ward, and wigs, hair & make-up designer JJ Wigs.
Casting is to be announced.
