THE musical, which showcases the poetry and life of the Bard, is set to be revived by music producer David Gest after he found songs written by the late Michael Jackson.
Robert Burns
THE late Michael Jackson has inspired a new musical based on the works of Robert Burns.
The King of Pop planned to illustrate the poetry and life of the Scottish Bard in a stage show during the 90s with long-time friend and music producer David Gest.
However, Gest will revive the show after he found the songs written by the Thriller icon – with Scottish actor John Barrowman expected to play the lead role.
Gest said: “I found the recordings from that time about four months ago. It’s going to be a different play but it is still going to be the story of Burns.
“Work is under way on a revised script and soundtrack.”
Casting for One Fond Kiss will begin at the end of the month and the show is expected to open in Lossiemouth next year.
Gest is to star as Tam O’Shanter in the new production, which is a collaboration between the musical producer and Rock Academy College .
The idea for the original show 20 years ago came about when Jackson offered Gest use of the family recording studio in California.
They put together the soundtrack for the original musical, Red Red Rose, based on Burns’s life. It featured songs adapted from 12 poems of the Bard.
Gest said: “We found his poetry so moving and his life so fascinating.”
But the project never got off the ground after the show’s producer, Psycho star Anthony Perkins, died later that year.
SOURCE: Scotland Now
