American writer and director open a musical in Islington
King of Pangea is a story of hope and imagination
The world premiere of a new musical, written and directed by two American Jewish creatives, opened at the Kings Head Theatre this week.
King of Pangea is the story of Sam Crow who, facing the loss of his relentlessly hopeful mother, escapes to the only place that makes sense – Pangea, the imaginary island of his childhood. With help from a wise-cracking prophet, a swaggering ship captain, and a star-gazing poetess, Sam sets off on a journey to claim his sovereignty… if he can only put the pieces back together in time.
Pangea is a place where the sun never sets, the house band keeps the beat, and the loved ones you’ve lost could be right around the corner.
Martin Storrow, who wrote this semi-autobiographical musical, has based it on his own experiences. For Martin, who, like director Richard Israel comes from California but now lives in New York, this is his first full length musical, and the London debut will be the start of The King of Pangea’s musical journey.
Los Angeles-born Richard Israel specialises in the development of new musicals and it was by chance that he became involved in the show.
“I was at a Californian non-profit organisation that runs workshops to support new musical writing,” he said. “And it was there that I saw King of Pangea. I thought it was fantastic. I knew then and there that I wanted to direct it.
“It is a wonderful performance because although it addresses universal themes of loss and grief, it is so positive and life affirming. It is based on Martin’s experiences and so authentic and uplifting. Martin is very talented and wrote the book, the music and the lyrics, and I immediately knew it was something special.”
King of Pangea is at Kings Head Theatre, Islington, until 6 July. kingsheadtheatre.com
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