By: Alex Wood/WhatsOnStage

A new musical, Broken Wings is to have its West End premiere in August.

Based on Lebanese-born poet Kahlil Gibran’s 1912 autobiographical tale of the same name, the show is written by Nadim Naaman (The Phantom of the Opera) and composer Dana Al Fardan.

The tale follows Gibran, living in 1923 in New York, as he reflects on his life and experiences in the Middle East as an 18 year-old, where he falls in love with Selma Karamy, daughter of a family friend. When Karamy is betrothed to another man, Gibran has to fight for her love. One of the numbers from the musical, “Spirit of the Earth”, has been released in advance.

Casting for the West End production is to be announced, with the first listen being performed by Rob Houchen (Les Misérables) and Hiba Elchikhe (Disney’s Aladdin) as teenage protagonists Gibran and Selma, with Naaman as Gibran’s older self and Soophia Foroughi (Spamalot) is Mother.

Naaman said: “Gibran is the Shakespeare of the Middle East, and the third best-selling poet of all time. His views transcend nationality, politics and background, read by all faiths and all ages. He was spiritual, but wouldn’t dedicate his life to one particular organisation of religion. Instead, he took the best of all faiths, championing humanity, tolerance and love above all else. I still can’t believe that the book hasn’t already been adapted for the stage; it is structured like a play, and is awash with musical references.”

The musical is directed by Bronagh Lagan (Little Women), with orchestrations by Joe Davison. It will be performed as a semi-staged show with a nine-piece orchestra.

The show will also release a concept album on 10 May, with a cast of Houchen, Elchikhe, Naaman and Foroughi joined by Gillian Budd, Joseph Claus, Nadeem Crowe, Siubhan Harrison, James Hume, Irvine Iqbal, Nikita Johal, Sami Lamine, Adam Linstead, Leo Miles and Lauren James Ray.

Broken Wings runs at Theatre Royal Haymarket from 1 to 4 August.