Monkees magic coming to Sunderland

By Entertainments Editor Katy Wheeler

Published on Tuesday 22 November 2011 18:18

HEY, hey it’s The Monkees – and their music is coming to Sunderland

Sunderland audiences will be among the first in the world to see a new musical featuring the hit songs of the iconic 60s band, prior to its West End debut.

Monkee Business the Musical will play at the Sunderland Empire next April, only the third venue to have the show after its world premiere in Manchester.

From the producers of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Spamalot, Monkee Business is said to have an original madcap Austin Powers-style plot featuring new characters, a cast of 20, live band of eight and a score packed with iconic hits of the swinging sixties.

Made instant world-wide stars by the famous 1960s TV series, The Monkees – Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith – became one of the most successful bands of their generation, at one time outselling The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, releasing 121 songs on nine albums and influencing future artists.

Monkee Business will pay homage to the crazy chaos of the Emmy Award-winning TV series and the music of The Monkees, featuring hits including I’m A Believer, Last Train to Clarksville, Hey, Hey We’re The Monkees and the smash hit Daydream Believer, alongside many more songs from the era like My Boy Lollipop and You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.

Ben Phillips, general manager at the Sunderland Empire, added: “We are delighted to welcome yet another major new musical to the Sunderland Empire, The West End of the North East and even more excited that this is only the third venue in the UK tour.

“Having worked with the producers previously with smash hit productions including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Spamalot and White Christmas, audiences are guaranteed an amazing experience of the highest calibre.”

Producer Michael Rose said: “Monkee Business the Musical is a real feel-good night out for all the family and I am so pleased we are getting to share it with Sunderland, having seen what great audiences the city has when we brought Chitty Chitty Bang Bang there.

“It is a real privilege that EMI have given the production access to some of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. I can’t wait to hear the Sunderland response.” Monkee Business the Musical is at the Sunderland Empire from April 24 – April 28.

Tickets priced £18.50 – £38.50 are available by calling 0844 871 3022 and online at www.SunderlandEmpire.org.uk.

Tickets go on sale to Ambassador Theatre Group card members today and on general sale on Friday.

via Monkees magic coming to Sunderland – Theatre – Sunderland Echo.