"Play Pen's production of Hello Again is on track to be something quite amazing as it turns the universal subject matter of sex, into something very personal. The standard of performance is very high, the narrative structure is complex, and the music and lyrics make this a show you will want to say hello to again, and again."
- Kangrooviews
Play Pen Productions and the HOPE Theatre present
The first British revival of Michael LaChiusa's musical adaptation of Schnitzler's La Ronde, Hello Again.
HELLO AGAIN explores the depths of sexuality and sexual attraction are here to be examined in this adult musical fantasy suggested by Arthur Schnitzler's La Ronde. As if seen through the lens of a time machine or old-time kinescope, HELLO AGAIN crosses over both space and time as characters jump from bed to bed, and decade to decade, intimately examining the painful secrets that drive them into each other's arms and towards the bruising effects of reckless passion. With a score that saturates the mind, HELLO AGAIN has an unforgettable, dreamlike quality that promises to seduce you from beginning to end.
"This is a phenomenal achievement by Cast and Production team"
- Broadway Baby for The Picture House
"West End worthy performances"
- Everything Theatre
"The physicality of the performers has a good edge, bringing their lustful, animalistic nature into prominence"
- Views from the Gods
WHY HELLO AGAIN
At our core we are a team of artists who feel inspired to explore new approaches to the musical theatre genre. Compared to other performing arts including dance and "straight" theatre, musical theatre productions have a tendency to "play it safe" therefore seeming less innovative or ground-breaking and, as a result, less able to excite and attract new audiences.
In Summer 2014, Play Pen was delighted to be offered residency at the Blue Elephant Theatre giving us the opportunity to carry out R'n'D on "Hello Again".
The result was a presentation of our vision for the overall production through the staging of key scenes from the musical, for which we received overwhelming positive feedback, convincing us that there is a keen interest to both see this show in full as well as a more general wish to see new pieces that take creative risks.
WHO WE ARE
Following MTM nominations for "Best New Musical" and "Best New Book" for The Picture House, as well as a sold out run of the performance-art production Oedipus Renewed, Play Pen Productions has become increasingly dedicated to exploring the ways in which musical theatre can break away from its stereotypes - notably by integrating it with ground-breaking physical theatre performances and seeing how these two worlds can complement and indeed enhance one another.
Winning the "Scottish Daily Mail Drama Award 2012" for first original musical, The Picture House, launched us as a company and motivated us to continue creating outstanding and innovative musical theatre.
Inspired by the work of companies such as Punchdrunk and Frantic Assembly, we aim to push the boundaries of storytelling by working with the best talent in the most interesting and imaginative venues London has to offer.
Crowdfunding
In order to bring this fantastic production to England Hello Again will be crowdfunded onPhundee. They are looking to raise £4,860 to make this must see performance to happen.
Phundee is a crowdfunding platform dedicated to entertainment and art projects, voted byTech City Insideras ‘within the 100 most influential digital companies in Britain' and recommend byThe Stage.