After a 12-year-lasting preparation, the first ever musical by Yusuf Islam – formerly known as Cat Stevens – “Moonshadow” will make its world premiere at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne today.
“Moonshadow” is a magical story about a journey we all take to find everlasting happiness. The journey in the show is not unlike Yusuf’s journey in life. Born Steven Demetre Georgiou, in 1948, he grew up with his Greek-Cypriot father and Swedish mother living above the family restaurant near London’s West End. It was here that Yusuf’s love of telling stories through music and musicals began.
He wrote “Moonshadow,” featuring 40 songs, which he penned as Cat Stevens with the valuable help of Rachel Wagstaff and Anders Albien.
After changing his name to Cat Stevens, he had his first UK hit single in 1966 with “I Love My Dog.” In 1967, “Matthew and Son” went to number two on the British chart. His soft, romantic and mystical songs were captivating audiences all over the world. Songs like “Peace Train,” “Matthew and Son,” “The First Cut is the Deepest” and so many more, have affected listeners of all ages. It was a shock for all his fans and the musical industry alike when he gave it all up. Yusuf auctioned his guitars to charity, converted to Islam and changed his name.
Yusuf’s nephew and company director of “Moonshadow,” Anthony Georgiou, along with his brother Steve, have taken a management and creative consulting role in this musical.
The 5-million dollar musical will be performed in one of Melbourne’s best theaters, Princess Theatre. The cast features Gareth Keegan, Ashley Kaplan, Jolyon James, Blake Bowden, Robert Grubb, Marney McQueen, Sally Bourne, Tony Cogin and Rodney Dobson.
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