Maxwell Caulfield stars in the reunion concert of Cool Rider at The London Palladium on Sunday 14 April at 7pm, which marks the tenth anniversary of the cult-concert.
The cult musical which is a loving, unofficial parody and tribute to Grease 2, played at the Lyric Theatre for two sold out shows, followed by a smash hit run at Duchess Theatre in April 2014 and was immortalised in May 2015 with the Original Studio Cast Recording, which was funded by fans through a Kickstarter.
West End stars Aaron Sidwell (Lord of the Rings, Wicked) and Ashleigh Gray (Wicked, Only Fools and Horses The Musical) will reunite and reprise their roles of ‘Michael Carrington’ and ‘Stephanie Zinone’ while Maxwell Caulfield the original Michael Carrington from the film plays Mr. Stuart.
You’re starring in the reunion concert of Cool Rider, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s regarded as a ‘tribute’ show but doesn’t really deviate far from the movie so it’s a guaranteed good time methinks!
Why do you think it’s gained such a cult following on the back of a relatively short original run?
If you mean both film and/or this stage version, it’s principally because the tunes are catchy and the story is both romantic and funny. Plus of course ‘Stephanie’ the heroine is such a free spirit and very much her own young woman.
You are the original Michael Carrington, how does it feel seeing the character live on after all these years, and what are you looking forward to most about playing Mr Stuart?
Michael has returned from Biker Heaven and hasn’t aged a day! Crazy as it may sound, I’m a full decade older than the original ‘Mr. Stuart’ who was so winningly played by Tab Hunter in the movie.
How would you describe the music in Cool Rider?
In our script it’s described as ‘mid-tempo pop rock’ and kicks off with “Back to School Again” originally sung by the great R&B soul group The 4 Tops.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Cool Rider at the London Palladium?
Be there or be square!
