The discography of Britney Spears is making its way to the musical theatre stage. The new musical Once Upon a One More Time will make its world premiere in Chicago this fall, with eyes on a subsequent Broadway bow.
Performances will begin October 29 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre before a November 13 official opening. The limited pre-Broadway engagement is scheduled through December 1.
Kristin Hangii (a Tony nominee for another jukebox musical: Rock of Ages) will direct the show, featuring a book by Jon Hartmere (Bare: A Pop Opera). Featuring a cast of such familiar characters as Cinderella and Snow White, the musical will use Spears' hits to tell the story of a royal book club that has its fairy tale notions challenged by way of a The Feminine Mystique-wielding fairy godmother.
Husband-and-wife YouTube stars Keone and Mari Madrid will choreograph.
“I’m so excited to have a musical with my songs—especially one that takes place in such a magical world filled with characters that I grew up on, who I love and adore,” said Spears. “This is a dream come true for me!”
Casting and additional creative team will be announced later.
The Chicago venue was previously slated to be home to the world premiere of the Michael Jackson bio-musical Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough this fall; the pre-Broadway engagement was canceled last month.