A cutting-edge theater company on the Mediterranean isle of Malta has acquired the rights to incorporate Depeche Mode songs such as “Personal Jesus,” “Everything Counts” and “Just Can’t Get Enough” into “Playing the Angel: The Musical,” which is set to open early next year.
According to the Unifaun Theatre Co.’s website, the musical — written by Adrian Buckle — also will include “Walking in My Shoes,” “It’s No Good” and “People are People,” and will be “a coming-of-age story of two 15-year-old boys, Dave and Andy, as they grow up and learn to deal with life, sexuality, addiction and relationships.”
In an interview published today by the Times of Malta, Buckle — noting the worldwide success of such feel-good pop-based musicals as “Mamma Mia!” and “We Will Rock You” — says he’s working on “a new kind of musical,” and notes “Depeche Mode are not ABBA or Queen. The story can’t be a happy one.”
“Playing the Angel” — named after Depeche Mode’s 2005 album — is scheduled to play in Malta in late February and early March, and the Times notes the production team would like to take the show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as well. Buckle is still writing the script, and the musical is not yet cast; auditions are slated for June 27.
UPDATE 6/19/10: Depeche Mode musical ‘Playing the Angel’ canceled
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS
- Video: Alan Wilder, Martin Gore soundcheck Depeche Mode’s ‘Somebody’
- Video: Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore, Alan Wilder discuss Royal Albert Hall reunion
- Video: Alan Wilder joins Depeche Mode on stage at Royal Albert Hall in London
- Vintage Video: Depeche Mode’s 1988 MTV Music Video Award home movies
- Video: Depeche Mode’s Alan Wilder on ‘The Posters Came From the Walls’
- Martin Gore of Depeche Mode subpoenaed in ‘World of Warcraft’ lawsuit
WHY GOD WHY???? I love DM but a musical?? MY GOD people…Isn’t it enough we have glee but this now???
While I’m in favor of a broader audience for the band whose name is tattooed into my very flesh, this idea makes me cringe. The rumors of Lady GaGa covering people Are People were scary enough until they were dispelled this week…..
I really don’t see the point in this, unless they intend to have many of their fans lose respect for them.
Please note that information in this column is inaccurate and following some crossed wired communication I find I have to shelve the plans for this musical. Sorry about the misinformation.