Stiletto, a new musical exploring the lives of castrati performers in 18th century Venice, will open at London’s Charing Cross Theatre from 24 March to June 15, 2025, opening night is set for March 31.
The musical features music and lyrics by Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe nominee Matthew Wilder, and a book by Olivier nominee Tim Luscombe.
Castrati were young boys, mostly from poor families, who were castrated to preserve their high treble voices before the onset of puberty. In Italy during the 18th century, an average of 5,000 boys were castrated annually. In exchange for the physical sacrifice, those with the most talent found fame and fortune, being the rock stars of their day and snagging a powerful patron. A few made it, but most didn’t and were swept aside.
Set in the winter of 1730, this story follows Marco, a castrato who falls in love with Gioia, the daughter of an African slave and tries to help her achieve a stage career. In an attempt to get her noticed, Marco introduces Gioia to society and his patron, the Contessa Azzurra, but at the end of the evening, a body lies dead and Gioia is hauled off to prison. To free her, Marco must overcome the demons of his past and the morally corrupt forces of the present.
Stiletto will be directed by David Gilmore, with choreography by Tony nominee Anthony Van Laast. Jae Alexander will serve as music supervisor and director, with Simon Nathan as orchestrator.
The creative team will include set designer Ceci Calf, costume designer Anna Kelsey, lighting designer Ben Ormerod, and sound designer Andrew Johnson. Neil Rutherford is the casting director.
The executive producer is Guy Kitchenn. The production is produced by Patrick Bywalski for the Robert Stigwood Organisation, and Steven M. Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Limited.
To book tickets: CharingCrossTheatre.co.uk.
