Lena Hall will play lead singer, Kenna in the brand-new musical In Dreams opening at Leeds Playhouse. The production, directed by Luke Sheppard and written by David West Read also stars Nöel Sullivan and Oliver Tompsett alongside an all-star supporting cast.
The story revolves around the former lead singer of a country rock band who, at a critical moment in her life, throws a party in a family-run Mexican restaurant to reconnect with old friends, while keeping her deeper motivations a secret.
San Francisco-born Lena Hall is an acclaimed Broadway star who has played a number of stand-out roles including Yitzhak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which saw her win a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical.
In Dreams is at Leeds Playhouse 3 July – 5 August 2023. Tickets are on sale here.
You’re starring in In Dreams at Leeds Playhouse, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s an uplifting, heartfelt, and wildly funny show that looks at how we handle the loss of a loved one. Using humour as a tool, it teaches us to never take for granted the time you have with the people you love.
The music of the show is all from the genius of Roy Orbison who has influenced music artists for decades. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll dance in your seat, and you’ll call your family and friends right after the show to tell them how much you love them.
What was it about David West Read’s new musical that made you want to be a part of it?
I was really drawn to the dry humour and quick wit that David is so good at writing. On top of that the show has a real heart to it. It’s very relatable for everyone and takes a look at the way we grieve, celebrate, and remember those we’ve lost.
The show is buoyant and humorous while also being incredibly grounded and meaningful. I was also so impressed by &Juliet and Luke Sheppard’s directing that I knew I was going to be in really good hands. The two of them together makes for some cleaver theatre that never dumbs the audience down.
What are you looking forward to most about performing in the UK?
I’m looking forward to the audiences and the vibe here in the UK. I’ve always wanted to do a show here and hopefully this will be the first of many. I don’t know why I haven’t done this sooner.
You’re playing Kenna, what can you tell us about the character and what are you enjoying most about the role?
Kenna is a pretty complex person. She’s a rock star who was once the front woman of a successful band called “Heartbreak Radio” But then the band broke up and now she tours as a solo act. Kenna Is very closed off and doesn’t like to show her emotions.
She deflects with dry humour and runs away from her problems instead of facing them. She’s also very lonely and hates to admit it but she misses her band mates and the way things were. When we meet her at the beginning of the show she is faced with something that turns her world upside down. It forces her to open up and do the thing that’s eluded her for a long time; be vulnerable. And it’s not easy.
And what do you think will be the biggest challenge?
Not sure. The show is so well written and directed that it does all the hard work for me. I just need to make sure I stay grounded and truthful. I feel really lucky with this project because I get to play a multidimensional character that’s so clearly mapped out for me on the page.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see In Dreams?
What are you waiting for?
