3 hours ago
Luke Newton of 'Bridgerton' Heads to 'House of McQueen'
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Luke Newton may be famed for playing Colin Bridgerton (younger brother of Jonathan Bailey's Lord Anthony Bridgerton) on the Netflix period costume drama, but he's about to take on a whole new role – that of decidedly more modern, and openly gay, fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
The 32-year-old English actor will portray the late London-born designer in the play "House of McQueen" by Darrah Cloud. The Off Broadway play is set to "begin previews August 19 at The Mansion at Hudson Yards, with an official opening set for September 9," Deadline reported, with direction by Sam Helfrich.
In addition to being a new play, "House of McQueen" "will be the first production at the new Hudson Yards, Manhattan, venue," Deadline noted.
The play's website describes the new stage work as being "about the life and work of iconic fashion designer Alexander McQueen as told from his own revolutionary, daring and elegant perspective."
"It is the story of a boy born in the east end of London, who literally wears his heart on his sleeve, never meant to rise beyond his working-class family," the description continues. "From making doll clothes for his mother's friends to working in a tailor shop, he rises to the top of the fashion industry as chief designer for Givenchy and head of his own legendary fashion line, as his fashion shows become theatrical and artistic spectacles, attracting countless celebrities."
"Seeking to find beauty in the most devastating aspects of life, McQueen envisions and creates clothes to empower women in response to what is happening in his life and the world around him," the site says. "Fighting against the commercial interests of legendary houses like Givenchy and Gucci to remain provocative, he challenges norms and pushes boundaries as an artist."
"In the end, the fight consumes him," the description summarizes. McQueen died in 2010 at the age of 40.
McQueen became known for his low-rise jeans, called "bumsters," as well as for his provocative designs and runway shows. He designed for recording stars like Lady Gaga – who wore his famed "armadillo shoes" – Björk, and David Bowie.
McQueen's bold designs and dramatic fashion shows excited the fashion world but also led to allegations of misogyny, though the designer himself said he wished to "empower women" with his clothes.
Deadline quoted Rick Lazes, who serves as an executive producer for the production, calling it an "absolute pleasure to announce Luke's involvement with 'House of McQueen'" and praising Newton as an "incredibly impressive multi-hyphenate."
Aside from "Bridgerton" – the fourth season of which is expected to arrive at Netflix next year – Newton "recently wrapped production on the upcoming sci-fi thriller 'White Mars,' opposite Lucy Hale," Deadline noted.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.