Regional News
Krystal Joy Brown, Matt Doyle, Telly Leung and other stars in the world premiere of My best friend’s wedding musical
Kathleen Marshall will direct the musical version of the 1997 romantic comedy at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine.
Krystal Joy Brown, Matt Doyle and Telly Leung
Casting for the world premiere of the new musical at the Ogunquit Playhouse has been finalized My best friend’s weddingbased on the hit film of the same name. Directed by Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall, performances are scheduled for September 26 to October 27 at the venue in Maine.
The cast is led by Krystal Joy Brown (We roll along happily) as Julianne, Tony winner Matt Doyle (Pursue) as Michael, Lianah Sta. Ana (Miss Saigon) as Kimmy, Morgan Bryant (Girls Club – Be careful, they bite! national tour) as Samantha, Zoe Jensen (Six) as Amanda, Telly Leung (Aladdin) as George, Mark Lotito (Some like it hot) as Walter, Austin Phillips (parade) as Scotty and Soara-Joye Ross (Hadestown) as Isabelle.
The ensemble includes Kailey Boyle, Daniel Brackett, Runako Campbell, Deanna Cudjoe, Aaron Graham, Harris Matthew, Jessica Sheridan, Mikayla Thrasher and Craig Waletzko with Kaitie Buckert and Raphe Gilliam as swings.
Based on the 1997 film by Ron Bass, the musical follows restaurant critic Julianne Potter as she tries to rekindle a relationship with an old flame… at his wedding. The screen version, directed by Julia Roberts, featured a famous group performance of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “I Say a Little Prayer” (conducted by Rupert Everett). This stage version will also include the couple’s “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” (originally written for the Broadway play “The 4000”). Promises, promises), “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself”, “Walk On By”, “What’s New Pussycat?” and other songs from the Bacharach-David song catalog. The book for the musical was co-written by Bass and Jonathan Harvey.
“We are delighted to announce the world premiere of My best friend’s weddingin collaboration with Crossroads Live, and we welcome three-time Tony Award-winning choreographer Kathleen Marshall back to our stage,” Ogunquit Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney said in a statement. “With Kathleen and this extraordinary cast and creative team, we continue our tradition of shaping the future of American theater.”
The musical direction of the new musical is by Andrew Sotomayor, the set and costume design is by Colin Richmond, the lighting design is by Richard Latta, the sound design is by Kevin Heard and the wig, hair and make-up design is by Roxanne De Luna. Nikki Lint is the production manager. Casting is by ARC.
The musical’s premiere was originally planned for 2020 with a tour of Ireland and the UK. This plan was initially postponed and later cancelled due to the pandemic.
For ticket information click here.
