International venture capital and angel investment firm Global Group today announces an investment in the revival of classic hit musical 42nd Street, which will play in the Drury Lane Theatre from 20 March 2017, with a press night on 4 April 2017.

In conjunction with Gate Ventures, Global Group is co-funding the show, with the Company’s Founder and Chairman, Dr Johnny Hon, acting as Executive Producer. Dr Hon previously produced the West End hit musical ‘Sunset Boulevard’ which ran for 43 critically-acclaimed performances in the London
Coliseum in April 2016.

The show is directed by Mark Bramble, who, together with Michael Stewart, wrote the book. The set will be designed by Douglas W. Schmidt and costumes by Roger Kirk and choreography by Randy Skinner.

The original West End production of 42nd Street opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on August 8,1984 and ran for a total of five years. The career of a teenaged Catherine Zeta Jones was launched,when, at short notice she stepped into the star role.

The original show was adapted from the 1933 movie “42nd Street” with a popular score, written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, including hits such as “You’re Gettin’ to be a Habit with me”, “We’re in the Money”, “I only have Eyes for you”, “Lullabye of Broadway” and of course the title song “42nd Street”. The new Theatre Royal Drury Lane production will see additional songs and dances from the original production, with more colourful elements added to the stage set and costumes.

Michael Linnit, Producer and Chief Strategy Officer of Gate Ventures, said: “42nd Street was one of the biggest productions ever produced on Broadway and in fact also at Drury Lane in the West End. Our new production, again at Drury Lane, is going to supersede all previous productions and therefore requires a multi-million financial commitment.”

Dr Johnny Hon, Chairman of Global Group, said: “We are delighted to invest in this West End revival of 42nd Street, a musical loved by all. Investing in theatrical productions is proving to be bothprofitable and highly enjoyable for Global Group and we hope to continue bringing classic shows back to the West End. It is a pleasure to be working with so many key figures that helped bring 42nd Street to life originally and we can’t wait to share this wonderful show with the world in the spring of 2017.”