Luke Newton, most recognized for his role as Colin Bridgerton in Netflix’s period drama Bridgerton, is stepping into the world of fashion excellence. Producers have selected the British actor to play the iconic designer Lee Alexander McQueen. Newton is going to play in a new Off-Broadway show called House of McQueen. As reported by Deadline, the production will start previews on August 19 at The Mansion at Hudson Yards. However, its official opening night is set for September 9.
A Deep Dive into the Mind Behind the Fashion
House of McQueen is written by Darrah Cloud and directed by Sam Helfrich. The play provides a raw and engaging look into McQueen’s extraordinary life. It traces his journey from an apprentice tailor in East London to a fashion icon known for pushing boundaries. Furthermore, it also shows the dark, theatrical runway presentations that captivated audiences worldwide. Sadly, McQueen passed away by suicide in 2010 at the age of 40, just a few days after his mother’s death.
According to People, the production uses floor-to-ceiling LED walls to transform the venue into the mind of McQueen. It also blends personal memories, important fashion moments, and emotional highs and lows into a vibrant narrative experience.
Newton, who has also starred in West End productions like The Book of Mormon and The Shape of Things, expressed that the opportunity is “a huge honor,” stating that he is “deeply inspired by the intensity, creativity, and vulnerability of McQueen’s legacy.” Executive producer Rick Lazes added, “We can’t think of anyone better suited to bring Lee’s story to life than this incredibly impressive multi-hyphenate.”
The production also has a personal tie to McQueen: his nephew. For this one, Gary James McQueen serves as the creative director, contributing to the visual direction of the show.
Supported by RWS Global and Tony-winning producer Sue Gilad, House of McQueen is not your typical biopic. However, instead, it offers a sensory journey into the person behind the brand. It combines memory, spectacle, and raw emotion. It’s also a theatrical tribute to a visionary who was not afraid to challenge the fashion world, no matter the cost.
