Show History
History
Show History
Inspiration
Love Story is a musical with a book by Stephen Clark, music by Howard Goodall, and a contributed effort from both men on the lyrics. It is based on Erich Segal's best-selling novel of the same name and, more notably, on the 1970 film. Segal originally wrote the screenplay before the novel and got it sold to Paramount. While the film was being produced, the studio encouraged Segal to write a novelized version before the film's release to encourage publicity. The movie is best known for the classic line "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
Productions
Love Story premiered at the Chicester Festival in England, with a run at the Minerva Theatre from May 29 to June 26, 2010. On December 6 of the same year, the production transferred to the West End at the Duchess Theatre in a limited 10 week engagement produced by theatre veteran Michael Ball.
In 2012, the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia presented the first American production of the musical as the first show in their season. After a limited run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013, the show expanded internationally outside of the UK. The first non-English production was a Dutch tour that started at the Beatrix Theater, while a Russian production is currently touring the country using a one-act version of the show.
Trivia
- The West End production of Love Story was nominated for three Olivier Awards in 2011, including Best New Musical.
- The original British production of Love Story starred such notable performers as Emma Williams (Jenny) and Peter Polycarpou (Phil).