Sheila Hancock and Jenna Russell to Star in GREY GARDENS at Southwark Next Year?

The Daily Mail writes that Sheila Hancock and Jenna Russell are in discussions to star in the musical GREY GARDENS, which follows the lives of 'Little' Edie Beale and her mother Edith Bouvier Beale -- Jackie O's reclusive relatives.

Directed by Thom Southerland, the show will play Southwark Playhouse early next year.

GREY GARDENS is based on the 1975 documentary of the same name, directed by David and Albert Maysles, which delved into the quirky daily life of the two women living in their nearly derelict mansion in East Hampton, Long Island.

The musical, with music & lyrics by Scott Frankel and Michael Korie and book by Doug Wright, follows the eccentric Big Edie and Little Edie on their hilarious and heartbreaking journey from glamorous aristocrats to notorious recluses in a crumbling house filled with memories and cats.

The Tony-winning project debuted on Broadway in 2006, starring Christine Ebersole, Mary Louise Wilson and Erin Davie.

Hancock's West End credits include SISTER ACT, CABARET, SWEENEY TODD, ANNIE, ONE OVER THE EIGHT and MAKE ME AN OFFER, as well as ENTERTAINING MR. SLOANE on Broadway.

Russell recently starred in the London run of URINETOWN. Her portrayal of 'Dot' in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE won her a 2006 Olivier Award; she also reprised the role on Broadway and nabbed a Tony nomination. Among her other West End credits are LES MISERABLES, THE BEGGAR'S OPERA, WILDEST DREAMS, FOLLIES, MARTIN GUERRE, THREE SISTERS, GUYS AND DOLLS, AMY'S VIEW, INTO THE WOODS at Donmar and Regent's Park, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, and more.

Photo Credit: David Jensen

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