BWW Exclusive: New Marilyn Monroe Musical to Receive One-Night-Only Premiere in Glendale

Prospect House Entertainment, in association with Glendale Arts Productions, presents MARILYN!, a new original musical commemorating Marilyn Monroe's 90th birthday at the historic 1400-seat Alex Theatre in Glendale. The one-evening-only July 29 event, celebrates the life Marilyn Monroe with a short documentary film featuring Monroe's former boyfriend Bill Pursel, Monroe's Bus Stop co-star Don Murray, Monroe author, Michelle Morgan, President of 'Marilyn Remembered' Greg Schreiner, and Actors Studio classmate, James Karen, among other key figures.

Audience members will be treated to an exclusive collection of Monroe's artifacts from Schreiner's personal collection at a pre-show reception. But the highlight of the evening is the world premiere of the full length musical MARILYN!, which chronicles the star's childhood and tumultuous path to stardom with stirring and emotional songs performed by some of Los Angeles' brightest musical talents. MARILYN! is directed by Tegan Summer, book and lyrics by Summer, music and additional lyrics by Gregory Nabours, Choreography by Ferly Prado and Victoria Gracie, produced by Prospect House Entertainment in association with Glendale Arts Productions. MARILYN! in previews plays on Friday, July 29; reception at 6:30 PM; curtain at 7:30 PM.

"We are delighted to be showcasing a fresh perspective on Marilyn Monroe's legacy" said Summer, CEO of Prospect House Entertainment, NAACP and Ovation award nominee. "Our musical celebrates the life of one of the greatest icons of all time. We are telling the story of Norma Jeane and Marilyn Monroe - two different women living in one body. The thoughts and feelings that could have led to an altogether different conclusion of Marilyn's story."

MARILYN! Is set in the present day - Michelle is a young journalist from England researching Marilyn Monroe to commemorate the actress' 90th birthday. She visits Charlie Page, one of Marilyn's drivers, who is now living a life of solitude. Two stories emerge as Charlie bonds with Michelle he recalls Marilyn Monroe's phenomenal life in flashback and reveals the real reason behind his living as a recluse for over forty years...

MARILYN! stars Kelley Jakle (Universal's Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2, Spring Awakening in Concert) as 'Marilyn Monroe'; Kelley Dorney (PBS Concert Special A Tale of Two Cities) as 'Norma Jeane'; Samantha Stewart (CBS' Days of Our Lives) as 'Michelle Morgan'; and Marvin Gay as 'Charlie Paige'

MARILYN! is directed by Tegan Summer (book, lyrics and directed by for musicals Loretta Young's Centennial Tribute, The Nicholas Brothers Tribute, feature films The Mystery of Casa Matusita, The Knights of Mary Phagan); book and lyrics by Summer; music and additional lyrics by multiple Ovation award winning composer Gregory Nabours (The Trouble With Words; Musical Direction for In the Heights, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Spring Awakening, Rent); choreography by Ferly Prado (Tina Turner, Beyonce) and Victoria Gracie.