‘Bat Out of Hell: The Musical’ 1st live venture between Bell Media, Michael Cohl

TORONTO – “Bat Out of Hell: The Musical” is the first live theatre production from a new joint venture between Canadian producer Michael Cohl and Bell Media, the company announced Tuesday.

The co-production with Cohl’s Iconic Entertainment Studios, known for “Spamalot,” “Spider-Man,” “Turn Off The Dark,” and “Rock of Ages: The Musical,” celebrates the 40th anniversary of the album “Bat Out of Hell” and its two sequels, featuring artist Meat Loaf.

Composer Jim Steinman’s workshop of a 1974 theatre piece laid the foundation for the 1977 album, which sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and earned platinum album status 14 times over by the Recording Industry Association of America. In Canada, it’s one of only 11 albums to reach double diamond status.

Jay Sheib (“Powder Her Face,” “World of Wires,” “Platonov”) is directing. Along with Cohl, the musical is being produced by David Sonenberg (“When We Were Kings”), Randy Lennox, president of broadcast and content for Bell Media, and Tony Smith.

Casting for the musical, which incorporates such songs as “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night),” “Bat Out Of Hell,” “I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” and “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,” is underway in the U.K. Previews will begin Feb. 17 at the Manchester Opera House.

Bell Media has also confirmed that its M3 channel is now Gusto. The company says the change happened on Sept. 1.