Dive inside the remarkable story of Don McLean's American Pie
The story behind Don McLean’s enigmatic and haunting classic American Pie will be told in a hit show coming to Leicester next month.
Described as a “docu-concert”, Inside American Pie will see five musicians from Prince Edward Island in Canada explore the riddles and hidden meanings of McLean’s song about “the day the music died”. Written to commemorate the 1959 plane crash that took the lives of American musical icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, American Pie is crammed with riddles and references to world-changing events in 20th century history.
The setlist for the show also includes The Rolling Stones’ Sympathy For The Devil, Janis Joplin’s Piece Of My Heart, The Beatles’ Helter Skelter, The Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace, Ritchie Valens’ Come On, Let’s Go and John Lennon’s Imagine.
Inside American Pie is co-created by Sarah Wilson and Mike Ross, with musical arrangements and music direction by Mike Ross. The live band is led by Mike Ross, with, multi-instrumentalists and singers Brielle Ansems, Greg Gale, Alicia Toner and Kirk White.
Speaking about bringing Inside American Pie to UK audiences, Mike Ross said: “What started as an epic show in our 140-seat musical hall in Hunter River, Prince Edward Island, found its way first to Toronto and now, five years on from those first shows at Harmony House, we’re taking Inside American Pie across the Atlantic.
“There aren’t many songs that are as much a part of our shared cultural DNA as Don McLean’s American Pie. It’s been a fantastic experience to explore its meanings and references in a way that weaves our interpretations of the lyrics with a setlist including some of the greatest songs of the 20th century – all played live by the most amazing multi-talented singers and musicians, the same group that’s been performing the show together for years.
“It’s a real journey through history, culture and music and by the end, we can guarantee you’ll have learnt something new and you’ll be joining us to sing along with the chorus!”
Inside American Pie will run in the Studio Theatre at the Curve from Thursday February 26 to Saturday March 14. Visit www.curveonline.co.uk or call 0116 242 3595 to book.