Spice Girls musical being launched in London

LONDON (AP) — The Spice Girls reunited onstage Tuesday to announce details of a musical based on their songs — a tale of fame and female friendship that will open in London in the fall.

The music of the 1990s "girl power" group is being revived in "Viva Forever," which tells the story of four friends whose bond is tested when their band enters a TV talent show.

The Spice Girls said they were delighted with the show, which is produced by Judy Craymer, the woman behind world conquering ABBA musical "Mamma Mia."

"It's better than we could ever have imagined," said Melanie "Sporty Spice" Chisholm of the show, written by comedian Jennifer Saunders, who co-created TV sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous."

"They sing it better than us," added Melanie Brown, the band's "Scary Spice.

They were joined by Band members Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham — also known as Baby, Ginger and Posh — for a media launch in the grand neo-Gothic hotel where the video for their 1996 No. 1 hit "Wannabe" was filmed.

The band's outsized personalities and Halliwell's Union Jack dress made them icons of 1990s "Cool Britannia," and they sold 75 million records around the world.

Halliwell left the group acrimoniously in 1998 and the Spice Girls effectively split a decade ago. The five members have not appeared together since a 2007-2008 reunion tour.

Beckham said the show would "be introducing a whole new generation to Girl Power."

"Viva Forever" previews from Nov 27 and opens Dec. 11 at London's Piccadilly Theatre.