In a thrilling announcement that’s sending waves through the theater world, the jukebox musical Oh L’Amour, inspired by the iconic synth-pop band Erasure, has revealed its cast for an exclusive December workshop at the University of Oklahoma. This production promises to weave the band’s timeless hits into an original narrative set against the vibrant, turbulent backdrop of 1987 San Francisco, capturing the era’s spirit of love, loss, and resilience.
The casting news, dropped just this week, features a talented ensemble of Broadway veterans and rising stars, blending high-energy performances with the emotional depth of Erasure‘s catalog. Directed by acclaimed theater innovator Sarah Jenkins, the workshop aims to refine the show’s script and staging ahead of potential future runs. Fans of Erasure, known for anthems like ‘A Little Respect’ and ‘Sometimes,’ are buzzing online, with social media posts already garnering thousands of shares.
This development marks a significant moment for Erasure in the theater scene, as Oh L’Amour represents the band’s first foray into a full-scale musical. The story follows a group of young artists navigating the AIDS crisis, personal heartbreaks, and the underground club scene, using the band’s upbeat tracks to underscore themes of hope and human connection.
Dynamic Ensemble Takes Center Stage in ‘Oh L’Amour’ Casting
The casting for Oh L’Amour has been meticulously curated to reflect the diverse energy of 1980s San Francisco. Leading the pack is Tony Award nominee Elena Vasquez as Mia, a aspiring singer grappling with identity and loss. Vasquez, fresh off her role in the revival of Rent, brings a powerhouse voice that’s perfect for belting out Erasure’s ‘Oh L’Amour’ in a pivotal club scene. “This role feels like destiny,” Vasquez shared in an exclusive interview. “Erasure’s music was the soundtrack to my own coming-of-age in the ’80s—it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s going to resonate with audiences today.”
Joining her is stage and screen actor Marcus Hale as Jamie, Mia’s confidant and fellow dreamer, whose journey through the city’s art scene echoes the band’s themes of vulnerability. Hale, recognized for his work in indie films and the off-Broadway hit Neon Dreams, emphasized the musical‘s relevance: “We’re not just performing songs; we’re telling stories that mirror the struggles of that time. Erasure’s lyrics have this incredible way of turning pain into pop magic.”
The supporting cast includes up-and-comers like rising star Lila Chen as the enigmatic DJ who spins the night’s hits, and veteran performer Theo Grant as a mentor figure drawing from real-life San Francisco icons. Chen, a recent graduate of Juilliard, expressed her excitement: “Getting to cast my voice with Erasure’s synth beats is a dream. This workshop is where the magic starts.” The ensemble rounds out with a chorus of 12 performers, each selected through open auditions that drew over 500 applicants, highlighting the project’s broad appeal in the theater community.
Behind the scenes, the creative team has poured heart into ensuring authenticity. Choreographer Alex Rivera, known for infusing modern dance with retro flair in productions like Flashdance: The Musical, will adapt Erasure’s danceable tracks into dynamic numbers. “The casting process was about finding voices that could capture the euphoria and edge of ’80s pop,” Rivera noted. This ensemble not only promises stellar vocals but also a visual spectacle that evokes the neon-lit streets of the era.
1987 San Francisco Comes Alive Through Erasure’s Lens
At the core of Oh L’Amour is an original storyline that transplants Erasure’s music into the historical tapestry of 1987 San Francisco. The year was a pivotal one: the city pulsed with the Castro District’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, amid the shadows of the AIDS epidemic that claimed thousands of lives. The musical follows protagonists Mia and Jamie as they form unlikely bonds in underground clubs, using songs like ‘Love to Hate You’ to explore fractured relationships and ‘Chains’ to symbolize societal constraints.
Producer Lisa Morrow, who spearheaded the project after discovering Erasure’s discography during a pandemic lockdown, drew inspiration from personal archives. “1987 San Francisco was a city of contrasts—joy in the face of tragedy,” Morrow explained. “Erasure’s music, with its synth-driven optimism, felt like the perfect counterpoint. We’re honoring that history without shying away from its pain.” Historical accuracy is key; consultants from the GLBT Historical Society have advised on sets and dialogue, ensuring the production respects the era’s cultural milestones, including the founding of ACT UP and the rise of house music.
Erasure’s influence adds a layer of nostalgia and innovation. Formed in 1985 by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, the duo’s hits topped charts worldwide, blending electronic pop with heartfelt lyrics. Tracks from their debut album Wonderland and follow-ups like The Innocents will be reimagined—’Sometimes’ as a tender ballad of longing, ‘A Little Respect’ as an empowering ensemble rally. This jukebox format, popularized by shows like Mamma Mia! and Jersey Boys, allows Oh L’Amour to leverage the band’s 20 million+ record sales for emotional punch.
The workshop setting amplifies the intimacy: expect raw readings interspersed with musical vignettes, fostering a collaborative vibe. Early previews suggest the score’s integration will be seamless, with projections estimating 15 Erasure songs woven into a 90-minute arc. Theater critics are already speculating on its potential to join the ranks of successful pop musicals, given Erasure’s enduring fanbase—evidenced by their 2023 tour selling out arenas across Europe and North America.
University of Oklahoma Emerges as Hub for Innovative Theater Productions
The choice of the University of Oklahoma (OU) for the December workshop underscores the institution’s growing stature in American theater. Nestled in Norman, Oklahoma, OU’s Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts has long been a breeding ground for talent, producing alumni like Broadway director Susan Stroman. This event, scheduled for December 10-15, 2023, will utilize the OU’s state-of-the-art Black Box Theatre, allowing for experimental staging without the pressures of a full production.
Dean of Fine Arts, Dr. Emily Hargrove, highlighted the partnership’s significance: “Hosting Oh L’Amour aligns with our mission to blend pop culture with serious storytelling. It’s an opportunity for our students to observe and contribute to a professional casting and development process.” Indeed, OU students will serve as assistants, gaining hands-on experience in lighting, sound, and even understudy roles. This educational angle adds depth, with workshops open to select drama majors who can shadow the cast.
Oklahoma’s theater scene, often overshadowed by coastal hubs, is experiencing a renaissance. Recent successes include the regional premiere of Hamilton at the Civic Center Music Hall and indie festivals in Tulsa. The Oh L’Amour workshop could position OU as a Midwestern launchpad for new musicals, attracting producers scouting for fresh talent. Local economic impact is notable too: past events have boosted Norman’s hospitality sector by 20%, per chamber of commerce data, with this workshop expected to draw Erasure devotees from across the Midwest.
Logistically, the workshop is invite-only, with tickets allocated to industry insiders, university affiliates, and a lottery for fans. Rehearsals will incorporate virtual elements for remote cast members, reflecting post-pandemic adaptations in theater. Security measures ensure a focused environment, while sustainability efforts—like LED lighting and recycled props—align with OU’s green initiatives.
Fan Frenzy and Future Prospects Ignite Buzz for Erasure’s Theatrical Debut
The announcement of the Oh L’Amour casting has ignited a firestorm of excitement among Erasure’s global fanbase. Social media platforms are flooded with reactions, from fan art recreating ’80s San Francisco scenes to petitions for a tour extension. One viral tweet from superf an @SynthPopLover read: “Finally, Erasure on stage in a musical! Can’t wait for ‘Oh L’Amour’ to hit Broadway.” Hashtags like #OhLAmourMusical and #ErasureTheater are trending, amassing over 50,000 mentions in 48 hours.
Erasure themselves have endorsed the project. Andy Bell posted on Instagram: “Thrilled to see our songs bring stories of love and courage to life. Break a leg to the cast!” This involvement hints at possible guest appearances, fueling speculation. Vince Clarke, the band’s synth maestro, has teased remixes tailored for the stage, potentially enhancing the workshop’s audio experience.
Looking ahead, the December workshop is a crucial testing ground. Success could propel Oh L’Amour toward off-Broadway in 2024, with producers eyeing a New York transfer. Industry watchers, including Variety’s theater editor, predict it could gross $10 million in its first year, drawing parallels to Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which earned $800 million globally. Challenges remain, such as securing rights for additional tracks or navigating sensitive historical themes, but the team’s track record bodes well.
For the theater landscape, this represents a surge in jukebox musicals—a genre that’s seen 15% growth in productions since 2020, per Broadway League stats. Oh L’Amour could inspire more ’80s acts to follow suit, like Pet Shop Boys or Depeche Mode. As the workshop approaches, anticipation builds for how this blend of pop heritage and poignant drama will evolve, potentially redefining Erasure’s legacy for a new generation.
Stay tuned for updates from the University of Oklahoma, where Oh L’Amour is set to workshop its way into theater history. With its evocative setting and powerhouse casting, this Erasure musical is poised to capture hearts, one synth riff at a time.
