Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed he is developing a new musical based on the true story of the Mona Lisa’s theft in the early 20th century. The show will explore the disappearance of the iconic painting for three years beginning around 1910.

Andrew Lloyd Webber shared details of his latest project while promoting Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway. Alongside his upcoming musical The Illusionist, the composer confirmed he is working on a piece about the theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre by Vincenzo Peruggia.

Peruggia, an Italian decorator employed at the Louvre in the 1910s, used his insider knowledge to steal the Da Vinci masterpiece. The painting vanished for roughly three years before eventually resurfacing in Italy. The incident has been described as “the greatest art theft of the 20th century.”

The story of Peruggia’s theft has been told previously in films including the French On a volé la Joconde and the German Der Raub der Mona Lisa. Lloyd Webber noted that this new musical will take place around the same period as his other work, including The Illusionist and the prologue scenes of Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies.

Lloyd Webber did not disclose further details about the musical’s development, saying he was about to begin writing the show himself. Information on potential creative teams, cast, venue, or dates remains to be confirmed.

The announcement follows a recent high-profile robbery at the Louvre, renewing public fascination with art theft. Meanwhile, Lloyd Webber continues to oversee new productions of Cats and Jesus Christ Superstar in London, a 40th anniversary of Phantom in the autumn, and discussions about a New York run of Evita.

This new musical adds to Lloyd Webber’s considerable output, reflecting his ongoing interest in historical stories set in the early 20th century and his continued influence on the contemporary musical theatre landscape.