OREANDA-NEWS. This Grade Linnit Company production of 42nd Street comes from the same team that delivered this year's highly successful production of West End hit musical 'Sunset Boulevard' at the London Coliseum.  Michael Grade and Michael Linnit of the Grade Linnit Company will be producing alongside Gate Ventures' Chairman Johnny Hon who will again act as Executive Producer on the production. The trio are planning further productions, including a milestone show, soon to be announced, for their annual London Coliseum presentation in March 2017.

The show is directed by Mark Bramble, who, together with Michael Stewart, wrote the book.  The set will be designed by Douglas W. Schmidt, costumes by Roger Kirk and choreography by Randy Skinner.

The original West End production of 42nd Street opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on August 8, 1984 and ran for a total of five years. The career of a teenaged Catherine Zeta Jones was launched, when, at short notice she stepped into the star role.  

The original show was adapted from the 1933 movie "42nd Street" with a popular score, written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, including hits such as "You're Gettin' to be a Habit with me" , "We're in the Money", "I only have Eyes for you", "Lullabye of Broadway" and of course the title song "42nd Street". The new Theatre Royal Drury Lane production will see additional songs and dances from the original production, with more colourful elements added to the stage set and costumes.  

Michael Linnit, Producer and Chief Strategy Officer of Gate Ventures, said: "42nd Street was one of the biggest productions ever produced on Broadway and in fact also at Drury Lane in the West End. Our new production, again at Drury Lane, is going to supersede all previous productions and therefore requires a multi-million pound financial commitment."

Dr Johnny Hon, Chairman of Gate Ventures PLC, said: "Gate remains committed to identifying and financially supporting exciting projects within the entertainment industry. We are pleased to be supporting the Grade Linnit Company and we look forward to working alongside the same experienced team at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane to create a memorable musical production following our highly successful Sunset Boulevard production."

Gate Ventures Plc

The Company was formed to make investments and capitalise on investment opportunities in the media and entertainment sectors. Since the formation of the Company, the Board has requested shareholder approval to expand its business strategy to include the fashion retail sector, the television element of the media and entertainment sectors, e-commerce as well as operational activities. The Board believes the expansion of the Company's business strategy will add significant shareholder value and as such it has recommended to shareholders that they authorise this resolution at the Company's EGM on 27 August. The Company intends to focus on investment and operational opportunities primarily in the UK and China, however other territories will also be considered as opportunities arise.