TT News Agency has published an article in which they talk to Joyride – The Musical director Guy Unsworth.
There have been many suggestions of a musical based on Roxette’s music. Per Gessle has turned down previous offers, because the scripts weren’t good enough, including one that focused on cancer during a period when Marie Fredriksson was ill.
When Unsworth came in as director, it was about one thing: keeping the Roxette spirit.
It was one of the first conversations I had with Per, if you want to capture Roxette in a feeling, what kind of feeling would it have been? For Per, it’s a lot about having fun at concerts. At the same time, they have made songs that evoke incredibly strong emotions.
The result is a musical based on both parts.
Unsworth continues:
We wanted the audience to smile, but at the same time we also wanted to manage the fact that Roxette is associated with some of the biggest “break-up ballads” of all time. The atmosphere is “feel-good” from the early ’90s when they had their heyday.
The script is based on best-selling author Jane Fallon’s novel Got You Back from 2008 – a triangle story full of drama.
The dangerous thing about musicals is that many people come just to listen to the music. That’s why we wanted a story that outweighs the music.
Another challenge has been to attract both devoted Roxette fans and musical enthusiasts. Unsworth explains:
We want to reach out to everyone regardless of whether they like Roxette or not, but we will offer a little extra to all fans. We’ve woven in some of the lesser known songs. So if you are really a fan, there are a few surprises in both costumes and melodies. It’s also a little tribute to Marie.
With two days left until the premiere at Malmö Opera, Unsworth believes they will succeed in conveying the Roxette spirit. The tickets are almost sold out until December and Gessle himself has expressed that he is satisfied.
He has been an important part of the process. He has been very present, but also trusted us very much. He probably realized that musicals were not his area of interest and instead turned to others. I was fascinated by the idea of creating something that he would appreciate. He has said that he thinks it will be an awesome musical.
Check out Aftonbladet for the original Swedish text.
