Since 2024, “The Devil Wears Prada — The Musical” has been lighting up London’s West End—and with great success. Now the stage version of the film classic is coming to Germany as well: on December 10 it premieres at the Stage Theater Neue Flora in Hamburg. The score is by Elton John (79), whose husband David Furnish (63) is among the producers. During a meeting in London, the British icon expressed enthusiastic approval of the German cast.
“Black Panther” star Florence Kasumba (49) takes on the role of the hardened Runway editor Miranda Priestly. Isabel Waltsgott plays the young journalist Andy Sachs, Alexandra-Yoana Alexandrova appears as Emily on stage, and Elindo Avastia portrays Nigel. Together they bring to life the characters made famous by Lauren Weisberger’s bestseller and the film adaptation starring Meryl Streep (77) and Anne Hathaway (43).
Elton John Gushes About Florence Kasumba
For Elton John, the story was tailor-made for a musical. “The film was so funny and had so many different characters,” he explained in an interview. The characters spoke to him in particular, and he also loves fashion. “The film is timeless. That’s why it was incredibly exciting for me to be asked to write the music for it.”
The musician is especially taken with Florence Kasumba, who steps into Miranda Priestly’s big shoes. “She is a star and a true force of nature,” Elton John said about the actress. He is convinced she will bring something incredibly special to the iconic fashion chief. Kasumba has an impressive presence and is an “amazing actress, singer and performer.”
A Story About Success and Self-Discovery
In Elton John’s view, the stage version offers the chance to get to know the characters even more intimately than the film. “With music, you can tell stories with more nuance and perhaps with more humor,” he explained. For instance, the audience learns more about Nigel’s backstory. The characters’ emotions can also be expressed more strongly through the songs.
At the center for the composer, however, is not only the glamorous fashion world but also the question of what truly matters in life. Andy Sachs allows herself to be consumed by her career, until she must confront what she really wants. “It’s a story about the fact that success isn’t everything,” Elton John noted. He is especially glad that Andy ultimately returns to her roots and refocuses on her initial dream of becoming a writer.
For the musician himself, the message of the piece is decisive. “My goal was for all audience members to leave the musical with a smile on their faces.” If people dive into another world for two hours and then head home in good spirits, that is all he, as a writer and musician, can hope to achieve.
The lyrics are by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, with the book by Kate Wetherhead. Direction and choreography are by Jerry Mitchell, who has previously earned acclaim for Broadway hits like “Kinky Boots” and “Pretty Woman.” In London, the show has been running on the West End since December 2024. There it has become a hit with audiences: by September 2026, the 800th performance had been reached, and the run was extended to September 2027. Now the musical is set to transport Hamburg audiences into the glittering world of “Runway.” (spot)
