The Broadway Debut of The Britney Spears-Inspired Musical 'Once Upon a One More Time' is Scheduled For June 2023

With the debut of 'Once Upon a One More Time' on Broadway, Britney Spears' biggest hits are getting a fairytale makeover. The musical comedy, which is being produced by Tony Award winners James L. Nederlander and Hunter Arnold, will debut at the Marquis Theatre after previews, which begin in May next year. The production, which was directed and choreographed by Keone and Mari Madrid (Beyond Babel, Karate Kid), blends well-known fairy tale characters, such as Cinderella, Snow White and the Little Mermaid, with songs from Spears' illustrious, award-winning music library.

Spears, who is not otherwise known to be involved, is said to have performed and recorded the music that served as the inspiration for the event. The show's musical compositions are all licenced through their publishers with the songwriters' consent, said a representative for the production. An attorney for Spears has been contacted by The Hollywood Reporter for comment.

'Once Upon a One More Time', a musical adventure about claiming your own happily ever after, is referred to as a 'revisionist fairy tale.'  The Feminine Mystique is dropped into the laps of women who have known little else than 'bird-made garments and true love's kiss' in the fairy-tale book club, which is upended by a rogue fairy godmother. Songs like 'Oops I Did It Again,' 'Lucky,' 'Circus' and 'Toxic' provide the soundtrack.

The pre-Broadway run of the play was supposed to begin at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago in 2019, however it was postponed to spring 2020. Due to the pandemic that closed down theatres nationwide in March, the show's Chicago engagement was cancelled by the producers.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., would host the world premiere of 'Once Upon a One More Time' in December 2021.

--Sikha Sohan