The Witches of Eastwick is a 2000 musical based on the 1984 novel of the same name by John Updike. It was adapted by John Dempsey (lyrics and book) and Dana P. Rowe (music), directed by Eric Schaeffer, and produced by Cameron Mackintosh.
The story is based around three female protagonists, the 'Witches': Alexandra Spofford, Jane Smart, and Sukie Rougemont. Frustrated and bored by their mundane lives in the town of Eastwick, a shared longing and desire for "all manner of man in one man" comes to life in the form of a charismatic stranger, a devil-like character, Darryl Van Horne. Seducing each of the women in turn, Darryl teaches them how to expand the powers locked within, though their new unorthodox lifestyle scandalizes the town. As these powers become more sinister and events spiral out of control, the women come to realise that Darryl's influence is corrupting everyone he comes into contact with and resolve to use their new-found strength to exile him from their lives.
Productions
Original London production
Starring Ian McShane in the lead role of Darryl Van Horne and Maria Friedman (Sukie), Lucie Arnaz (Alexandra) and Joanna Riding (Jane) as the three witches, the show began its preview period in London's West End on June 24, 2000 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Opening on July 18 to mixed-positive reviews, the decision was taken to transfer to the more intimate Prince of Wales Theatre from March 23, 2001. Ian McShane left and was replaced by his understudy, Earl Carpenter, whilst the physical production was revised to fit in the smaller theatre. A number of lyrics and scenes were revised and the song 'Who's the Man?' was replaced with a rousing gospel number entitled 'The Glory of Me'. A general cast change from July 1, 2001 saw Clarke Peters lead the company, with Josefina Gabrielle and Rebecca Thornhill as Alex and Sukie respectively, joining Joanna Riding who stayed with the show after receiving the Olivier Award nomination for the role. The show received generally favourable reviews with the second cast but, after a 17-month run, closed on October 27, 2001.
Original London cast
Ian McShane as Darryl Van Horne
Lucie Arnaz as Alexandra Spofford
Joanna Riding as Jane Smart
Maria Friedman as Sukie Rougemont
Rosemary Ashe as Felicia Gabriel
Stephen Tate as Clyde Gabriel
Caroline Sheen as Jennifer Gabriel
Peter Jöback as Michael Spofford
Gee Williams as Fidel
Sarah Lark as Little Girl
Jasna Ivir as Gina Marino
Tim Walton as Joe Marino
Anne-Marie McCormack as Gretta Neff
Kevin Wainwright as Raymond Neff
Lisa Peace as Marge Persley
Shaun Henson as Homer Persley
Earl Carpenter as Reverend Ed Parsley
Kathryn Akin as Brenda Parsley
Jocelyn Hawkyard as Rebecca Barnes
Nick Searle as Toby Bergman
Valda Aviks as Eudora Bryce
Matt Dempsey as Curtis Hallerbread
Scarlett Strallen as Mavis Jessup
Julia Sutton as Franny Lovecraft
Chris Holland as Frank Ogden
Alison Forbes as Mabel Ogden
Maurice Lane as Dr Henry Pattison
Jean McGlynn as Marcy Wills
London replacements
Earl Carpenter replaced Ian McShane as Darryl Van Horne on March 23, 2001
Clarke Peters replaced Earl Carpenter as Darryl Van Horne on July 1, 2001
Josefina Gabriel replaced Lucie Arnaz as Alexandra Spofford on July 1, 2001
Rebecca Thornhill replaced Maria Friedman as Sukie Rougemont on July 1, 2001
Paul Spicer replaced Peter Jöback as Michael Spofford on July 1, 2001
Elizabeth Yeats replaced Jasna Ivir as Gina Marino on July 1, 2001
Christopher Howell replaced Kevin Wainwright as Raymond Neff on July 1, 2001
Amanda Villamayor replaced Kathryn Akin as Brenda Parsley on July 1, 2001
Louisa Shaw replaced Lisa Peace as Marge Purley/ 1st Cover Alex on July 1 2001
Australia, Russia, and Czech Republic
The first international production opened in Australia at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne. Starring Paul McDermott as Darryl van Horne, with Marina Prior, Angela Toohey and Pippa Grandison as Jane, Alexandra and Sukie respectively, with Sabrina Batshon, future finalist of Australian Idol season 7, as The Little Girl, and Matt Lee as Michael Spofford, the show began previews on 19 August 2002. Revisions made to the show included minor changes to lyrics, an extended dance break in 'A Little Town', and the excision of one number, 'Loose Ends'. The show closed in Melbourne on 17 November 2002, with the anticipated tour dates in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney being cancelled.