Ayla: A New Musical is proud to celebrate the festive season with the release of its first official single, How Do I Open His Eyes, performed by internationally acclaimed pop artist Arlissa. The single will be available on 12 December across all major digital streaming platforms.
This special Christmas release offers the very first musical window into Ayla: A New Musical, an ambitious, emotionally charged story set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity must rediscover unity, compassion, and the courage to repair a dying planet. At the heart of the story lies the intimate and powerful relationship between a mother and her daughter - a bond that resonates through the music and the show’s central themes of climate urgency, peace, and reconciliation.
How Do I Open His Eyes marks the debut single from the forthcoming 28-track concept album, scheduled for release in February 2026.
The album brings together an exceptional cast of West End leads and celebrated recording artists, including Nathania Ong (Les Misérables, Hamilton), Djavan van de Fliert (Les Misérables, Frozen), Lauren Drew (Titanique, The Voice UK), Joaquin Pedro Valdes (Death Note, Heathers), Jonathan Andrew Hume (Come From Away, Hamilton), Jordan Shaw (Les Misérables, Hadestown), and, of course, Arlissa, whose global fanbase and collaborations with BTS, Nas and Jonas Blue have earned her millions of streams worldwide.
Ayla: A New Musical is produced by Academy Award-winning producer Giovanna Romagnoli (Cinema Paradiso), with music by award-winning composer Gianluca Cucchiara and lyrics by award-winning lyricist Andrew James Whelan.
The concept album is co-produced by multi-platinum recipient Peter Neros Ibsen, known for his work with Lana Del Rey and Jessie J.
Vocal Arrangements by Josh Cottell.
This release marks the beginning of Ayla’s public journey, a project years in the making. How Do I Open His Eyes, captures the moment in which Sindah discovers that Mohr, her longtime friend and unspoken love, has developed an infatuation for Ayla, a girl from the rival tribe. The song reveals Sindah’s heartbreak and inner conflict, bringing a powerful emotional depth to the world of Ayla. With its cinematic sound and intimate perspective, it becomes a striking addition to this year’s holiday soundtrack.