LENNON to Feature Three Rare and Unpublished Songs

LENNON, the new Broadway musical based on the life and songs of John Lennon announced today that Yoko Ono has given Don Scardino, the show's writer and director, permission to use three rare and unpublished songs by John Lennon for the musical. Two of the songs, "India, India" and "I Don't Want to Lose You" were never published, and exist only on private recordings. A third song, "Cookin' (in the Kitchen of Love)," was recorded by Ringo Starr in 1976, but was never recorded by John Lennon

The songs represent John Lennon at various stages in his life. "India, India" was written during the Beatles' visit to India in 1968. "I Don't Want to Lose You" is a Lennon song that was provided by Yoko Ono to complete "The Beatles Anthology" in 1990, but an electronic glitch made it impossible to include the song. "Cookin'..."although recorded by Ringo Starr, was never recorded by Lennon and remains a rarity in the Lennon songbook.

The remainder of the song list for LENNON will be announced shortly and include songs written after the Beatle split up in 1970.

Producers Allan McKeown, Don Scardino and Edgar Lansbury in association with Clear Channel Entertainment will produce LENNON, the world premiere of a musical based on the life and songs of John Lennon. Written and directed by Don Scardino, the musical will make its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street), beginning previews on Thursday, July 7th.

Director and book writer Don Scardino says, "We will tell the story of John Lennon's life using Lennon's own words and songs. Our ensemble of 10 extraordinary and diverse performers and a ten-piece onstage band will guide the audience through Lennon's life and the eras he shaped."

Prior to its Broadway engagement, LENNON will play at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco, California from April 12th - May 14th and then at the Colonial Theater in Boston, Massachusetts from May 31st - June 25th.

Broadway playing schedule, ticketing information, and casting information to be announced soon.

Follow the progress of this new musical at www.lennonthemusical.com.