In the summer of 1956, a union between Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Arthur Miller faced ridicule, often characterized as the alliance of the “hourglass” and the “egghead.” However, a new stage musical aims to present a more nuanced and intimate depiction of their notable relationship, highlighting their roles as pioneers and drawing connections between the tumultuous climate of 1950s America during the “red scare” and contemporary issues.
Set to premiere in autumn 2027 at Leicester’s Curve, the musical is titled Misfits Together, named after the film Miller crafted for Monroe that came out shortly after their 1961 divorce. This production marks a venture into musical theatre for indie musicians Dan Smith from Bastille and Ralph Pelleymounter of To Kill a King, who have created the score, which will be available as a studio album. The first single, “Oh America,” is scheduled for release on Thursday.
Initially, Smith and Pelleymounter envisioned the project as a musical centered around 1950s America. Upon sharing their compositions with Charlotte Bogard Macleod, the book’s writer, they discovered her longstanding interest in the couple’s dynamic that captivated the public’s attention.
“I have always wanted to delve into Arthur Miller’s unwavering integrity,” Macleod remarked. “He refused to comply with the House Un-American Activities Committee, standing firm at a great personal cost. As we conducted our research, we were astonished to learn how central Marilyn was to his life. She supported him and managed her own production company. It made us wonder why this aspect of their relationship hasn’t been more widely acknowledged or celebrated.” She noted that both figures empowered one another, confronting challenges such as anti-communist sentiments and misogyny.
Smith emphasized that the musical will address how Monroe was often stereotyped. “She was a working-class woman who endured foster care, yet she crafted the iconic persona of Marilyn Monroe, becoming one of the most recognized individuals globally,” he stated. “Even at the pinnacle of her career, she faced constant scrutiny and belittlement.”
Pelleymounter added that despite Monroe’s significant accomplishments, she was frequently diminished to the role of a mere sex symbol. The musical aims to explore the ways in which her celebrity overshadowed Miller’s accomplishments.
Produced in collaboration with Tila Arts, Misfits Together will be directed by Nikolai Foster, Curve’s artistic director, who shared that the team has been studying Monroe’s films for inspiration. He commended her “innate grasp of filmmaking” and “acting craft,” noting that during workshops, the portrayal of their lives became so intimate that they sometimes forgot they were depicting two of the 20th century’s most renowned cultural icons.
Pelleymounter reflected on the idea that “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes” as a recurring theme throughout their creative process. He pointed out that seven decades after the red scare, tactics of division continue to be employed to foster “fear and anger to maintain the status quo” in the United States. One song from the musical captures Miller and director Elia Kazan’s frustration at politicians communicating blatant falsehoods on the news.
The musical will also feature other prominent figures, including Laurence Olivier, who starred alongside Monroe in The Prince and the Showgirl. Macleod recounted Olivier’s directive to Monroe: “Stop trying to act, just be sexy.” He expressed frustration with her desire for multiple takes, while she was merely striving for perfection. Ultimately, she emerged as the standout in the film.
Smith and Pelleymounter have composed over 36 songs for the production, narrowing the selection to fewer than 20. As long-time friends, they have a passion for crafting narrative-driven songs that explore character, story, history, and culture. “I aim for the songs to be epic, immediate, and nuanced, propelling the narrative forward while traversing history and zooming into personal psychology,” Smith explained.
One song draws unexpected inspiration from Eminem’s hit “Stan,” as it narrates a complex story through the couple’s correspondence. Pelleymounter noted that they also incorporated imagery from famous photographs of the duo, with moments such as bicycle rides featuring in at least one song.
Pelleymounter and Smith follow in the footsteps of fellow indie musician Passenger, who recently enjoyed a successful foray into musical theatre with the Olivier award-nominated The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Additionally, Smith is working on the music and lyrics for Young Romantics, a developing musical that features characters like Mary Shelley and Lord Byron.
Misfits Together will be performed at Curve’s Studio theatre from September 4 to 25, 2027.
