New musical Glory Ride is to get its world premiere at Charing Cross Theatre in London this April.
Written by Victoria Buchholz and Todd Buchholz, the production will be directed by Kelly Devine – the Olivier Award-winning choreographer on West End hit Come From Away.
Glory Ride plays the Charing Cross Theatre from 22 April to 29 July 2023.
Based on a true story, the show is set in Tuscany during the Second World War and centres on famous Italian athlete Gino Bartali.
A Tour de France winner in the 1940s, Bartali was considered the second most famous man in Italy after Mussolini. His cycling achievements on the Alps and Pyrenees were legendary, but until recently, few knew that he risked his life by saving hundreds of people from fascism during World War II.
With his cycling career as a cover, Bartali cycled thousands of miles between cities across Italy. Hidden in the frame of his bike were falsified identity cards and other secret documents to help victims cross borders to safety. His bravery rescued hundreds of persecuted Jews and other refugees, many of whom were children. In 2013, Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, recognised Gino Bartali with the honour of Righteous Among the Nations.
Victoria Buchholz worked with her father, Todd, a best-selling author, inventor and senior White House economic adviser on the story, and the show has had workshops in New York and LA, and played a concert at the The Other Palace Theatre in October last year.
Casting is to be announced, but joining Devine in the creative team is Associate Director Ricky J Hines; Musical Director Dave Rose; Set, Costume & Video Designer PJ McEvoy; Casting Director Harry Blumenau, CDG; General Management Smart Entertainment; and Italian Cultural Adviser Federico Bellone.
Currently playing at the Charing Cross Theatre in George Takei’s Allegiance, starring Star Trek’s George Takei, which runs until 8 April 2023.
More about Glory Ride tickets at the Charing Cross Theatre in London
