(Gibson) The theatrical adaptation of Backbeat, the 1994 film that details The Beatles' early days, will open in Los Angeles early next year before hitting Broadway, Billboard has reported. The production will be staged at L.A.'s Ahmanson Theater from January 16 through February 24, with January 23 being designated as the "official" opening night. The show premiered originally at Glasgow's Citizens Theater in 2010, and its next run till take place in Toronto, from July 21 through September 2.
Set in 1960, Backbeat plays out against the backdrop of the relationship between The Beatles' original bassist, Stu Sutcliffe, and German photographer Astrid Kirchherr. The show prominently features songs the band covered in the clubs of Liverpool and Hamburg – including "Long Tall Sally," "Twist and Shout," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Please Mr. Postman" and "Rock 'n' Roll Music." The cast for the Los Angeles production has not been announced. A Broadway theater has yet to be booked, but Billboard speculates the show will likely open in New York before the end of April 2013. more on this story
