Elvis Costello"s Musical Adaptation of A Face in the Crowd Hits London

Elvis Costello and Sarah Ruhl have adapted the 1957 film 'A Face in the Crowd' into a musical, which is set to premiere at the Young Vic in London on September 20. The original film, a satire about a hustler who rises to fame and political influence through television, was written by Budd Schulberg and directed by Elia Kazan. The adaptation reflects contemporary themes, particularly the influence of mass media on politics, which resonates with recent events in the political landscape. Ruhl and Costello emphasize that their musical is not a direct commentary on Donald Trump, despite the parallels that can be drawn. They acknowledge that the project began during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, and some elements of the story were influenced by that period. Ruhl mentioned that certain lines had to be removed from the script as they felt too closely aligned with current events. Costello expressed his resistance to viewing the adaptation as an analogy for Trump, focusing instead on the broader themes of desire and persuasion inherent in the story. He highlighted that the title itself suggests a more universal exploration of human nature rather than a specific critique of any individual. The musical aims to capture the essence of Schulberg's original work while also addressing the timeless issues of media influence and public perception. As the production approaches its opening, it promises to engage audiences with its relevant themes and musicality, reflecting on the complexities of fame and power in modern society.