Spice Girls musical to launch in London
The Spice Girls -- Melanie Brown (from left), Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Victoria Beckham -- in a London hotel to launch "Viva Forever," a musical featuring their group's songs. (June 26, 2012) Credit: AP
The Spice Girls reunited onstage Tuesday to announce details of a musical based on their songs -- a tale of fame and female friendship that will open in London in the fall.
The music of the 1990s "girl power" group is being revived in "Viva Forever," which tells the story of four friends whose bond is tested when their band enters a TV talent show, The Associated Press reports.
The Spice Girls said they were delighted with the show, which is produced by Judy Craymer, the woman behind the world-conquering ABBA musical, "Mamma Mia."
"It's better than we could ever have imagined," said Melanie "Sporty Spice" Chisholm of the show, written by comedian Jennifer Saunders, who co-created TV sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous." "They sing it better than us," added Melanie Brown, the band's "ScarySpice."
They were joined by band members Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton, Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell and Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham for a media launch in the grand neo-Gothic hotel where the video for their 1996 No. 1 hit "Wannabe" was filmed.
Halliwell left the group acrimoniously in 1998 and the Spice Girls effectively split a decade ago. The five members have not appeared together since a 2007-08 reunion tour.
Beckham said the show would "be introducing a whole new generation to Girl Power." "Viva Forever" previews from Nov. 27 and opens Dec. 11 at London's Piccadilly Theatre.
