The Woman in the Mirror is a song specifically written for the transgender Eva Klein in the upcoming The Finellis Musical and performed by the transgender actress and songwriter Markie Thompson is now available. Markie’s breathtaking, heartfelt performance of this new song written by Ulf Weidmann and Mark Janicello is poised to become the breakout hit from the musical.
Inspired by Mark Janicello's decades-long friendships with members of the transgender community, The Woman in the Mirror recounts the journey to one's truest self. It’s a song that will resonate not only with musical theatre audiences but also with the LGBTQIA+ community and far beyond.
Richard’s Photography held a small gathering from the trans-community on Sunday evening (18th February) attended by Mark, at which The Finellis Film was shown; the gathering was also among the first to hear the new song recorded by Markie.
Nice gathering of girls at Richard’s beautiful home to meet the writer and director Mark Janicello of the upcoming west end musical The Finellis. After an Indian meal, we sat down to a screening of the original film and then did a Zoom call with Markie, a Liverpool trans girl who is to play the role of Eva Klein in the show. We had a lively discussion with her and then a group chat with Mark where he explained his own experiences with the trans community and his insistence that the role of Eva would be played by a real trans girl.
Nicola, transwoman from Tonrbidge
Already known as a singer/songwriter, Markie Thompson has written for Katie Coleman's debut EP (The Voice UK semi-finalist). Her song for Akiro Takano ("Ex Doll") is currently Number 1 in Japan. Markie is delighted to be 'stepping out by performing her debut transgender role as the nightclub owner, Eva Klein in the world premiere of The Finellis Musical in London. Keep your eye on this remarkable talent. She's taking the world by storm.
About the Musical
It's Mrs. Doubtfire meets Goodfellas. American singer Tony Finelli spends 15 years in a Berlin prison to save his family from being killed by Mafia boss, Mr. Big. The story begins on the day Tony is released. He returns home to find that his children hardly remember him, his wife has divorced him, and his mansion is now a bed and breakfast. To win back his family and rebuild his career, Tony, the proud peacock, swallows his pride and takes over the janitor's job.
The musical is based on the award-winning comedy, The Finellis Movie (64 award nominations, 22 awards in 12 countries; it has a 7.4/10 rating on IMDb; 5-Stars on Amamon Prime & Apple TV), the show has book and lyrics by Mark Janicello and music by Ulf Weidmann.
The Cast
MIKE STERLING, best known for his West End performances as both The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables stars as the Goodfellas-obsessed Agent Juergen Drahtseil. LISA GORGIN (BBC's Eastenders; Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens, Footloose, & The Rocky Horror Show (all West End) stars as Tina Finelli. MARK JANICELLO is reprising his starring role from The Finellis Movie as Tony Finelli. They are joined by MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER (ITV's Funny Woman) in his double role of Pete Finelli/Mr. Big. Musical veteran COLETTE KELLY (Original London cast of both Hair and Grease) makes a welcome return to the West End as family matriarch, Bea Finelli.
ANNA MARÍA and PIPPA JULIET will star as Tony and Tina's much-put-upon daughters, Lola and Lena Finelli. CHIARA DE PALO, FRANZ-XAVER ZELLER and JAKE POLLICINO will be playing Nonna, Agent Schmitt and Young Tony Finelli, respectively. Rounding out the cast is MARKIE THOMPSON. Already known as a singer/songwriter, Markie is combining her acting talent to truly 'step out' in her debut transgender role as nightclub owner, Eva Klein
Dates
The Finellis Muscial runs from Wednesday 5th June (with preview performances on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th) until Sunday 16th June 2024 at the Wonderville Theatre in London.