A new musical adaptation of the 1941 play Dark of the Moon will receive its world premiere in London, offering a fresh take on the tale of love and mysticism. The production fuses country, bluegrass and rock elements, and marks a notable collaboration of Emmy and Grammy-winning creatives.

Dark of the Moon, based on Howard D Richardson and William Berney’s classic play, will open at the Charing Cross Theatre on Monday 18 May 2026, running until Saturday 8 August. The production’s national press night is scheduled for Tuesday 26 May.

The musical tells the story of a poignant clash between a rural town and the mystical smoky mountains, inhabited by witches and warlocks, focusing on the romance between a human girl and a witch-boy. It is loosely inspired by the traditional Scottish ballad “Barbara Allen.”

Georgie Rankcom directs the production, backed by a creative team including choreographer Jane McMurtrie and musical supervisor Brad Haak. Jonathon Prince, an Emmy Award nominee, has penned the book, while the score comes from Grammy-winning songwriters Lindy Robbins, Dave Bassett, and Steve Robson, known for hits performed by artists like Demi Lovato and Rascal Flatts.

The musical score is said to incorporate elements of country, bluegrass, and rock, promising a distinctive soundscape for the story. Production design is led by Libby Todd, with Jonathan Chan as lighting designer and Andrew Johnson handling sound design.

The show is produced by WitzEnd Productions LLC alongside Steven M Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Limited. Levy also serves as the general manager. The rights have been secured through special arrangement with the Richardson/Yale Property Trust.

Rankcom commented that Dark of the Moon “has captivated audiences since the 1940s” and highlighted its renewed relevance today, including its recent appearance in the world of Stranger Things. Full casting and additional creative team details are yet to be announced.