The Devil Wears Prada has been a resounding success since opening at the Dominion Theatre last year, becoming the fastest-selling show in the theatre’s history. Vanessa Williams stars as the formidable magazine editor Miranda Priestley, while Elton John, one of the world’s most celebrated musical composers, provides the score. His works have earned Oscars, Tonys, Grammys and Laurence Olivier Awards, with productions such as The Lion King enjoying decades-long runs both in the West End and on Broadway.
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The original cast recording of The Devil Wears Prada: A New Musical has now been released, offering fans insight into Elton John’s creative process. The CD and digital album include two previously unreleased demos, “I Mean Business” and “The Devil Wears Prada”, which reveal how the songs were initially crafted and illustrate the meticulous attention Elton gives to sound, mood, and character development.
Elton John explained that writing musicals differs from albums as they have a clear beginning and end, but he treats demos as fully realised recordings, allowing him to convey how the music should sound. He emphasised that once the production team takes over, the show must continue without his direct involvement, although he closely follows rehearsals and ensures the performance reflects his vision.
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Producer Kevin McCollum praised Elton’s collaboration, noting how his passion, empathy and creativity consistently bring lyrics to life. Both McCollum and Elton highlighted the joy of seeing the musical performed for the first time and the importance of creating an entertaining, fun experience for audiences. The Devil Wears Prada: A New Musical Original Cast Recording is now available, capturing the essence of the West End hit and Elton John’s enduring musical genius.