Misfits Together: New Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller Musical Announced

A brand new stage musical exploring the marriage of Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller has been officially announced for next autumn. Titled 'Misfits Together', the production is scheduled to run at Leicester's Curve in the United Kingdom from September 4 to September 25, 2027. The upcoming theatrical event delves into the complex relationship and lives of the iconic Hollywood star and the celebrated American playwright.

The musical was created by Dan Smith, known for his work with the band Bastille, alongside Ralph Pelleymounter of To Kill a King. Meanwhile, the book of the musical was written by Charlotte Bogard Macleod. Reflecting on the origins of the project, Macleod explained her long-standing fascination with the playwright, stating, "I’d always wanted to explore Arthur Miller and how he had this integrity that cut through everything." Elaborating on the historical focus of the musical, Macleod added, "He refused to name names and he stood up at a huge personal cost. When we started doing research, we just couldn’t believe that Marilyn was so central to this. She was supporting him. She had her own production company. And we were thinking, why hasn’t this been talked about or celebrated?"

Dan Smith also shared insights into the themes and character development behind the production, highlighting the contrasting backgrounds and immense fame of the female protagonist. Discussing Monroe's journey, Smith noted, "Here’s a working-class woman who was in foster care and created the persona of Marilyn Monroe and became one of the most successful and known people ever in the world." He further remarked on the persistent challenges she faced during her lifetime, observing, "And still at the height of her success and fame, she was constantly questioned and denigrated and patronised."

Adding further perspective on the overarching themes of the narrative, co-creator Ralph Pelleymounter reflected on the resonance of the story, noting that "history doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes." The theatrical exploration also touches upon the broader cultural and professional pressures faced by the legendary actress throughout her career in the entertainment industry.

The upcoming production at Leicester's Curve is presented in collaboration with Tila Arts. The staging of the brand new musical will be directed by Nikolai Foster, bringing the creative vision of the writers and musicians to life on the UK stage in September 2027.