Comment: Will Max Martin’s new musical be pop-ular?

Famed pop songwriter Max Martin is in the final stages of development of his new pop musical.

The show, whose title has not yet been revealed, is set to premiere in the UK in 2019, before making its way onto West End.

Other members of the creative team include Bill Sherman (In the Heights) and David West Read (Schitts Creek, The Performers).

This new musical is set to include recent pop songs by singers including Adele, Ariana Grande, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd, Katy Perry, Ellie Goulding and Taylor Swift.

Unusually considering it hasn’t even hit the stage yet, he has already released an open casting call, requesting talented pop singers who can dance and act as well.

While it is very different from successful musicals such as Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, both of which have been on stage for almost 30 years, its modern music soundtrack may make for an interesting hook to get people interested in the story.

The formula behind the musical has been, tested and succeeded, as other creators such as Berry Gordy (Motown), Frank Ketelaar, Kees Prins and Katori Hall (Tina Turner the Musical) have taken classic songs that everyone knows and woven a narrative throughout.

Can Max Martin’s new musical repeat this sort of success?

To answer this question, look no further than Hamilton, the musical taking the world by storm that fuses American history, hip hop as well as slower melodic songs. Constructed by Lin Manuel Miranda, it renovated the musical world.

Max Martin’s new pop musical has the expertise and lyrical genius behind it to do the same, injecting a sense of fun and light-heartedness comparative to heavier theatre.

It’s simple; we can’t judge this new musical until it graces stages and need to keep an open mind as if may further revolutionise the future of stage, getting new and younger generations excited about theatre so it continues to thrive.

It may be ready for West End by summer 2019 – but is the West End ready for it?