‘Oh L’Amour’: New Musical in Development Celebrates Erasure’s Synth-Pop Legacy

A new stage musical titled Oh L’Amour is in development, drawing inspiration from the catalog of British synth-pop duo Erasure—whose anthems have long resonated with LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. The announcement comes with the release of a concept album, signaling a major milestone in the journey to bring Erasure’s music and the stories it inspires to theater audiences. The show is set against the backdrop of the socially turbulent 1980s, a period that saw dramatic shifts in LGBTQ+ visibility and rights, and is poised to blend personal narratives with the era’s indelible music .

Oh L’Amour tells the story of Sam, a young writer embarking on a cross-country journey to attend a prestigious program in San Francisco. After his belongings are stolen, Sam finds unexpected support from Savannah, a record store manager with ambitions of her own. As Sam and Savannah navigate new relationships—with Beau, a compassionate Texan, and Bobby, a self-destructive DJ—they experience love, heartbreak, and the search for belonging. The narrative reaches a turning point when Sam, having reached San Francisco at great personal cost, finds mentorship and hope through AIDS activist Gabriel, reflecting the realities and activism of the LGBTQ+ movement during the 1980s .

The creative team is led by Paul Lavoie, who wrote the musical’s book, with musical direction and arrangements by Mitchell Kaplan—known for his work with Sandra Bernhard and as co-producer of UnCabaret. Michael A. Shepperd, a prominent figure from LA’s award-winning LGBTQ+ Celebration Theater, is set to direct, ensuring authentic representation and storytelling from within the community .

Erasure, comprised of Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, rose to prominence in the 1980s with their infectious melodies and openly queer frontman, Andy Bell. The duo’s songs—such as “Oh L’Amour,” “Blue Savannah,” “Sometimes,” and the LGBTQ+ anthem “A Little Respect”—have been embraced as soundtracks to both personal and collective queer journeys. The inclusion of these tracks in Oh L’Amour serves as both homage and cultural documentation, reminding audiences of how music can empower and unite marginalized communities .

Andy Bell, who continues to perform Erasure classics in international tours, has long been celebrated for his openness about his identity and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The decision to center a musical around Erasure’s music reflects the group’s ongoing influence—not just musically but as beacons of visibility and acceptance in the entertainment industry .

The creative choices behind Oh L’Amour are deeply intentional. By focusing on LGBTQ+ protagonists and highlighting the AIDS crisis and subsequent activism, the musical seeks to educate new generations about the struggles and triumphs of queer communities in the 1980s. Director Michael A. Shepperd’s involvement, alongside a cast and crew with strong ties to LGBTQ+ theater, underscores the importance of authentic storytelling and representation, both onstage and behind the scenes .

The production is currently in its developmental phase, with crowd-funding efforts underway via IndieGoGo, aiming to bring the show to full theatrical production. This grassroots approach mirrors the communal spirit of queer activism—relying on collective support and participation to realize creative visions that might otherwise remain unheard .

As anticipation builds for Oh L’Amour’s stage debut, the project stands as a testament to the enduring power of Erasure’s music and the stories of LGBTQ+ communities past and present. By weaving together friendship, love, loss, and resilience, the musical endeavors to honor not only the legacy of a beloved synth-pop duo but also the lived experiences of those who paved the way for greater acceptance and equality.

For more information or to support the production, visit the official IndieGoGo campaign page (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/oh-l-amour-the-erasure-musical–4#/) .