The producers have announced that Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical will be staged in concert for two performances only at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on Saturday 11 October at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Cedric Neal, currently starring in Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre, will reprise his role as Lloyd Price following acclaimed workshops in London last year and a successful run in Chicago.
The musical celebrates the life and legacy of Lloyd Price, the trailblazing rock ‘n’ roll artist behind hits like “Personality,” “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” and “Stagger Lee.” Price was the first teenager to sell over a million records and founded his own label, breaking racial barriers and influencing generations of musicians.
Neal’s extensive theatre credits include Natasha, Pierre And The Great Comet Of 1812 (Donmar Warehouse), Guys And Dolls (Bridge Theatre), Back To The Future (Adelphi Theatre), Motown (Shaftesbury Theatre), and Dreamgirls (Signature Theatre), among many others.
Cedric Neal said:
“Lloyd Price’s story is not just about his hits; it’s about perseverance, talent, and the power of music to bring people together. I’m honored to be a part of sharing his legacy with audiences.”
Director Sheldon Epps commented:
“Almost everybody knows his music, but very few know his name. And even fewer know his story. PERSONALITY brings both to the stage, introducing the man who changed the world through his songs. He is a true unsung hero who influenced many generations on his own and touched the lives of many other great entertainers during his remarkable decades long career. It has been a great honor to bring his story to the stage, and audiences have responded with gratitude, enthusiasm and the desire to know even more about this wonderful artist.”
Book Writer and Lead Producer B. Jeffrey Madoff added:
“Lloyd and I met through a mutual friend who saw our immediate connection and asked me to produce a documentary about Lloyd’s life. I loved his music but knew nothing about the man behind it. As I got to know more about him, I discovered a fascinating life that nobody knew about. It was a story that was important to tell, and it needed the intimacy and energy that only live theater can deliver. It had to be completely honest, showing both triumphs and struggles. When I told Lloyd I wanted to write a play about his life, he simply said, ‘The truth needs no defense. Tell the story.’ Personality is the untold story about an unsung hero.”
The creative team includes B. Jeffrey Madoff (Book Writer and Lead Producer), Lloyd Price (Music & Lyrics), Sheldon Epps (Director), Edgar Godineaux (Choreography), and Shelton Becton (Musical Supervisor). UK Casting is by Pearson Casting.
Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical is executive produced in the UK by Tegan Summer Theatricals, with general management by New Road Theatricals.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
