On October 27th, Cadogan Hall will stage the European premiere of ‘I Am Harvey Milk,’ a one-act musical that celebrates the life of the LGBTQ+ icon, with proceeds benefiting the charity Stonewall.
Cadogan Hall to Host European Premiere of ‘I Am Harvey Milk’
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – On October 27th, 2023, the iconic Cadogan Hall will be the stage for the European premiere of “I Am Harvey Milk,” a one-act musical celebrating the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, a trailblazing figure in LGBTQ+ history. This event, organised by Chorus Productions Ltd, promises to be a poignant tribute with all proceeds benefiting Stonewall, a leading LGBTQ+ charity.
Harvey Milk’s resonance in history is undeniable. Born in 1930, he lived much of his early life in the societal norm of secrecy about his sexuality. After serving in the Navy and working in finance, it was not until his 40s that Milk embraced his identity publicly. San Francisco in the 1970s became his launchpad, specifically the Castro district, where he transitioned from a camera shop owner to a passionate defender of LGBTQ+ rights. His election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors marked him as California’s first openly gay elected official, a historic milestone.
During his short tenure, Milk championed the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, notably advancing legislation to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. His advocacy, however, was cut brutally short when he was assassinated in 1978, just 11 months into his term. Yet, the end of his life marked the beginning of an enduring legacy. Milk became a symbol of hope, reminding the world of the power of authenticity and perseverance.
“I Am Harvey Milk,” composed by Andrew Lippa, seeks to depict Milk’s journey and impact through music and lyrics, ensuring his story remains alive for future generations. Rob Houchen, an English singer and actor notable for his roles in productions such as “Les Misérables” and “The Light in the Piazza”, founded Chorus Productions Ltd with the vision of bridging significant historical narratives with contemporary musical theatre.
“Our venture of staging ‘I Am Harvey Milk’ aligns deeply with my experiences in the theatre world,” said Houchen. “From my early days in theatre, I have always strived to push creative boundaries and tell stories that resonate. This production is incredibly meaningful—it’s a homage to an LGBTQ+ hero and supports Stonewall’s critical work.”
The production features West End’s Joel Harper Jackson and Broadway talent Sierra Boggess, backed by a robust 50-member queer choir. Houchen, as producer, has expressed his excitement in bringing together such an accomplished team to honour Milk’s legacy.
“Presenting this show is more than just a performance,” Houchen noted. “It’s about educating audiences on a crucial chapter of LGBTQ+ history, inspiring new activists, and celebrating the strides we’ve made towards equality while recognising the ongoing challenges.”
The choice to direct all proceeds from the event to Stonewall highlights the production’s commitment to supporting the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Harvey Milk’s story, and the musical that recounts it, act as a testament to the relentless struggle for equality, the advancements achieved, and the importance of representation and perseverance.
The European premiere of “I Am Harvey Milk” is set to be a powerful reminder of Harvey Milk’s enduring influence and the spirit of activism that continues to inspire today. Tickets are on sale now for the performance at Cadogan Hall on October 27th, promising an evening of moving performances and significant reflection on a monumental figure in LGBTQ+ history.
Source: Noah Wire Services