Elvis Costello and Sara Ruhl

In the world of radio, some voices carry further than others. When producer Marcia Jeffries stumbles upon a charismatic vagrant named "Lonesome" Rhodes, she sees a star in the making. What begins as a charming radio segment soon spirals into a nationwide obsession, as Lonesome's rise to fame gives way to a potentially dangerous influence over the hearts and minds of millions. 

In today's climate where celebrity and politics have never seemed more intertwined, this powerful new musical from legendary musician Elvis Costello and celebrated playwright Sarah Ruhl brings a fresh, urgent voice to the classic story, just in time for US election fever. The work is Costello's first foray into composing for a full-scale musical, adding yet another achievement to his highly influential career, while multi-Pulitzer nominee Ruhl (Eurydice, The Clean House) brings the latest addition to her impressive body of work. Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah in his final production at the Young Vic, A Face in the Crowd stars Ramin Karimloo (Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera) and Anoushka Lucas (Oklahoma!), with Anna Fleischle on stage design. This is a story of fame, manipulation, and the dangerous allure of power.