Lennon Books Broadhurst; Sets Tryout Dates

Lennon, a new musical based on the songs of John Lennon, is readying for its Broadway bow. The tuner, which aims to show how one man's life defined the times and the socio-political struggle that overtook the world, has set tryout dates and booked Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre for the summer of 2005.

The new musical will premiere at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco, California from April 5 through May 7 instead of the originally announced Curran Theatre in February. It will then play at the Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts from May 24 through June 18 before heading to Broadway.

Written and directed by Don Scardino, Lennon will feature 10 actors, all portraying John Lennon at different points in his life. Thirty of Lennon's songs will be featured in the musical including "Imagine," "Instant Karma," "Give Peace a Chance," "Working Class Hero," and "Whatever Gets You Through the Night."

Lennon is being produced by Edgar Lansbury, Don Scardino and Allan McKeown by arrangement with Yoko Ono. The musical's design team includes John Arnone set, Jane Greenwood costumes and Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer lighting.

No casting has been announced for the production.