Photo Credit: Foreigner by Kamal Asar
Foreigner announces a collaboration with Tilles Center for the Performing Arts to develop the world premiere production of the Foreigner musical.
Legendary rock band Foreigner has announced a new collaboration with Tilles Center for the Performing Arts and Long Island University’s Post Theatre Company to develop and stage the world premiere production of “Feels Like The First Time: The Foreigner Musical.”
Broadway luminary Adam Pascal (Rent, Aida, Cabaret, Chicago, Something Rotten) and inaugural Artist-in-Residence at Long Island University (LIU) will direct the musical and lead a creative team that includes writer Stephen Garvey and orchestrator and arranger David Abbinanti.
“Feels Like The First Time” will also feature 14 of Foreigner’s biggest hits. The musical will receive a developmental workshop and staged reading in the fall, while the fully staged world premiere production will run from April 17-26, 2026, at LIU’s Little Theatre.
“We are thrilled to partner with the next generation of theatrical talent at LIU to bring this story to life in a bold new way,” said Foreigner manager Phil Carson. “‘Feels Like The First Time: The Foreigner Musical’ is a celebration of the music that has connected generations—and this collaboration gives it a vibrant new home on the stage.”
“This musical marks the launch of our New Works Initiative—an exciting new initiative from Tilles Center and Long Island University to develop original work,” adds Tom Dunn, Executive & Artistic Director, Tilles Center, and Dean, College of Arts & Design, Long Island University. “We’re proud to kick it off with the iconic music of Foreigner. And we’re thrilled to engage our LIU theatre students and Long Island community in doing so.”
Foreigner will appear at an exclusive benefit concert in support of the production, hosted by original lead singer Lou Gramm at LIU’s 2,200-seat Tilles Center on September 5, 2025.
The evening will feature a pre-show cocktail reception for 50 special guests, including photo opportunities with the band and premium seating for the performance. Access to this VIP experience will be offered to supporters who make donations at varying levels, which may include a limited edition signed official RIAA-certified gold record plaque and/or signed electric guitar, photo opportunity with the band, a set list, and/or other benefits.
All proceeds will directly benefit the musical, as well as the LIU and Tilles Center’s New Works Initiative. As a registered charitable institution, LIU’s fundraising efforts qualify for tax-deductible donations subject to government guidelines. Additional tickets will be available to the general public starting at $25.
“As a Long Island native, it’s an honor to direct this new Foreigner musical and to serve as LIU’s first Artist-in-Residence,” said director Adam Pascal. “I grew up on these hits and am excited to collaborate on bringing this production to life.”
Foreigner founder and songwriter Mick Jones said, “When I wrote ‘Feels Like The First Time,’ I had no idea how far that song would take Foreigner. It is a personal thrill for me to know that the amazing Adam Pascal has elected to use it as the title of our new musical. I am very confident that he and the whole team will create something very special, and I look forward to seeing the completed work in 2026, the 50th anniversary year of the founding of Foreigner.”
Ticket and VIP packages for Foreigner: The Hits Unplugged will go on sale to Tilles Center Members and Foreigner Fan Club Members on Monday, May 12; to Tilles Center Subscribers on Tuesday, May 13; and to the general public on Friday, May 16. Tickets can be purchased online, in person at Tilles Center’s Tantleff Box Office, or by telephone at 516-299-3100. The box office at 720 Northern Boulevard in Brookville, NY, is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 6 PM.
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