Teri Hatcher, the iconic star known for her role in *Desperate Housewives*, is set to join the West End cast of *The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical* and will take the stage as Miranda Priestly starting on 20th October 2023. Hatcher succeeds the talented Vanessa Williams, who has portrayed the famous fashion editor since the show’s London debut and will perform her final show on 19th September.
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Hatcher expressed her enthusiasm for this new venture, stating that she has had the privilege of portraying some remarkable women throughout her career but finds few roles can measure up to the powerhouse that is Miranda Priestly. “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining *The Devil Wears Prada* in the West End,” she remarked in a statement regarding her casting.
In her description of the character, she referred to Miranda as “intelligent” and “commanding,” praising the ability of the role to blend authority with humour. Hatcher highlighted the unforgettable nature of Miranda’s dialogue and the contagious confidence the character exudes. “These are the kinds of roles one loves to play,” she added, noting her excitement about exploring Miranda’s “sharp wit, fierce ambition, and iconic style.”
The role of Miranda Priestly is a celebrated part of the theatrical and cinematic landscape, originally brought to life by Meryl Streep in the famed 2006 film adaptation, which was based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel. Hatcher will join the cast following Debbie Kurup, who will take on the role from 21st September to 17th October, acting as a bridge between Williams’ final performance and Hatcher’s debut.
Teri Hatcher, now 61, is best known for her portrayal of Susan Mayer in *Desperate Housewives* across its eight successful seasons. However, her talent extends beyond the screen. She made her foray into musical theatre with a notable performance as Sally Bowles in the national tour of Sam Mendes’ revival of *Cabaret*. More recently, she appeared as Morticia Addams in *The Addams Family*, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Interestingly, Hatcher and Williams share a history that dates back to their time on *Desperate Housewives*. The two actresses became friends when Williams joined the series in its seventh season, and their bond has remained strong over the years. They even reunited at the premiere of Broadway’s *POTUS* in May 2022.
*The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical* tells the compelling story of aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, who secures a coveted position as an assistant to Miranda, the formidable editor-in-chief of the influential fashion magazine, Runway. Audiences can expect a mix of brilliant music from Elton John, accompanied by lyrics penned by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, with the story constructed by Kate Wetherhead. Jerry Mitchell is responsible for directing and choreographing the production.
This well-received musical began its performances in London after a successful initial run at Theatre Royal in Plymouth, and it is now poised to celebrate its 800th performance on 23rd September 2023. However, despite its popularity in the UK, the show has yet to manoeuvre its way to Broadway, although it had a developmental run in Chicago back in 2022, showcasing Tony Award-winning Beth Leavel as Miranda.
As Williams prepares to conclude her tenure in the role she helped shape in London, Hatcher becomes the latest star tasked with embodying the essence of Miranda Priestly. Her tenure as Miranda Priestly is anticipated to continue until at least 6th February 2027, giving audiences ample opportunity to witness her interpretation of the character.
Tickets for *The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical* are currently available for purchase, and fans eagerly await the chance to see Hatcher deliver the iconic character’s famously sharp commands from the stage. With her long-standing career in both television and theatre, Hatcher is expected to bring a fresh perspective to this beloved role, ensuring that the legacy of Miranda Priestly continues to resonate with audiences.