Vanessa Williams is set to take on the formidable role of Miranda Priestly in the upcoming musical adaptation of “The Devil Wears Prada” on London’s prestigious West End stage.
The announcement, made through Instagram videos on Monday, showcases Williams embracing the role with the iconic flair of the fictional Runway magazine editor-in-chief.
In her social media post, Williams encourages fans to secure tickets for the show, stating, “Yes…it’s me 👹,” and adding, “Buy tickets, or something.” Expressing her enthusiasm, she shared, “Bringing Miranda Priestly to life in the West End is an absolute dream come true. Gird your loins, folks.”
The musical follows the story of fresh-out-of-college aspiring journalist Andy, who lands a job at the prestigious Runway magazine, working for fashion’s most powerful and terrifying icon – editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Sacrificing her personal life to meet Miranda’s impossible demands, Andy finds herself seduced by the glamorous world she once despised.
The musical, based on the 2006 movie and the 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger, initially premiered in Chicago in 2022. The move to the West End was announced in September, and now, Vanessa Williams is set to rule the Runway in the London adaptation.
The original 2006 movie, starring Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs and Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, achieved significant success. Streep’s portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and the film ranked as the 12th-highest grossing film of 2006.
The musical boasts an original score by music legend Elton John, with lyrics by Shaina Taub and a book by Kate Wetherhead. Jerry Mitchell, a three-time Tony Award-winning choreographer, is directing and choreographing the production.
The production, opening in London’s Dominion Theatre in October, also highlights creative contributions from Tim Hatley (set design), Gregg Barnes (costume design), Bruno Poet (lighting design), and Gareth Owen (sound design), with casting overseen by Jill Green CDG.
Vanessa Williams, who previously played a similar role as Wilhelmina Slater in the ABC series Ugly Betty, expressed her joy in returning to a character with such depth. Williams mentioned in a statement back in 2009 that playing Wilhelmina Slater was her “favorite role of a lifetime.”
The Devil Wears Prada musical is set to hold an exclusive preview engagement at Theatre Royal Plymouth in July before its grand opening on the West End in October.
