New Musical Waterfall, Inspired by Thai Novel, Eyes Broadway with Bie Sukrit Wisetkaew as its Star

Waterfall, a new musical romance set in pre-World War II Bangkok and Tokyo, is eyeing Broadway. The tuner comes from the writing team of composer David Shire and lyricist Richard Maltby, Jr. The Tak Viravan-helmed production will play The Pasadena Playhouse in June 2015 and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre that fall before a move to the Great White Way in 2016. Thai singer Bie Sukrit Wisetkaew is set to lead the cast, and Dan Knechtges will choreograph.

Based on the Thai novel Behind the Painting by Sriburapha, Waterfall follows a young Thai student who falls in love with the American wife of a Thai diplomat. The story of their forbidden love parallels history as the new democracy of Siam moves into the vortex of the increasingly anti-American Japan.

Wisetkaew appeared in a developmental workshop production of the musical opposite Sierra Boggess. His theatrical credits include Behind the Painting and Rainbow in the Night. He has released six solo albums that have led to multiple chart-topping hits. According to The New York Times, Boggess is no longer attached to the project.

Additional information, including complete cast, creative team and theater, will be announced later.