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    odd, but polished musical
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    A strange new musical
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It Happened in Key West Tickets

Charing Cross Theatre

Jill Santoriello’s thrilling new musical It Happened in Key West arrives at the Charing Cross Theatre for a strictly limited season. Documenting the horrifying true story of x-ray scientist Carl, who meets his dream girl, this musical romanticises a shocking tale that rocked the small island of Key West during the 1930’s.

In 1930’s Key West, German x-ray scientist Carl falls in love with a married woman he is treating for tuberculosis. Despite her illness and marital status, the eccentric young man is determined to win her over no matter what. His obsessive and immoral behaviour scandalised the town.

Jill Santoriello’s haunting, thrilling new musical It Happened in Key West documents this true story, which saw Carl Tanzer take home Elena’s body to fix her into his dream woman.

Romanticising the well-known story, the musical becomes a story of devotion, love and determination, though the disturbing and macabre aspects are not ignored. The all-American creative team are thrilled to bring this production to the UK for its world premiere after an initial workshop run rural America.

American actor Wade McCollum stars as Carl, opposite Alyssa Martin as Elena. Further casting includes Val Adams, Miguel Angel, Alexander Barria, Mary-Jean Caldwell, Andrea Golinucci, Siwan Henderson, Sophia Lewis, Guido Garcia Lueches, Hannah McIver, Ross McLaren, Johan Munir, Nuno Queimado.

It Happened in Key West is created by award-winning composer Jill Santoriello, with additional lyrics and a book by Jason Huza and Jeremiah James. Santoriello’s previous credits include A Tale of Two Cities, which was nominated for a 2008 Out Critics Circle Award, three Drama Desk Awards and a Drama League Nomination before it headed to Broadway. Santoriello is one of only two women in Broadway’s history to write the book, music and lyrics of a musical.

More recently, she worked with playwright John Patrick Shanley on Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project. Other members of the creative team include costumer designer Lisa Zinni, animator Brendan Huza and musical director Robert Felstein. Artistic Director of Fulton Opera House, Marc Robin, directs the production.

This equally remarkable and horrifying story is certainly unique inspiration for a romantic comedy musical. The 8-week run is sure to shake up the usual summer landscape of West End offers, running at the Charing Cross Theatre from 4 July to 18 August 2018.

Sorry this show closed 18 August 2018, we recommend these similar productions.

ABBA Voyage
The Phantom of the Opera
Les Miserables
Performance dates:
18 Aug 2018 - 18 Aug 2018
Running time:
2 hours and 30 minutes including an interval.
Age recommendation:
No under 12's
Audience Notes:
Those interested in new writing and new musical theatre, American theatre and history repurposed for the stage will want to catch this premiere.

Latest Audience Reviews

Nice music and some great actors involved but for something billed as a 'comedy musical' it could... More

Based on a true story, it is a bit weird to make a musical out of it. The actors were really good... More

What a crazy idea for a musical. An x-ray technician falls in love with a patient who dies from T... More

Went with a completely open mind as didn't know what to expect and I really enjoyed the show. Mus... More

Well this one was an unexpected little gem. How the heck do you sensitively tell this remarkable,... More

Good, fun show! The twisted concept makes you cringe and laugh at the same time. It just needed a... More

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