The world premiere of Octet, a new musical from Tony-nominated composer Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) has found its cast. Featuring a score for an a cappella chamber choir and a libretto inspired by internet comment boards, scientific debates, religious texts, and Sufi poetry, Octet explores addiction and nihilism within the messy context of 21st century technology.

The Signature Theatre production—marking the Off-Broadway theatre's first-ever musical—will be directed by Annie Tippe. Performances will begin April 30 ahead of a May 19 opening.

Tippe directs a cast made up of Adam Bashian (The Phantom of the Opera) as Jim, Kim Blanck (Alice by Heart) as Karly, Starr Busby (Off-Broadway debut) as Paula, Alex Gibson (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Peter, Justin Gregory Lopez (Jesus Christ Superstar Live) as Toby, J.D. Mollison (X: Or, Betty Shabazz v. the Nation) as Marvin, Margo Seibert (In Transit) as Jessica, and Kuhoo Verma (The Big Sick) as Velma.

The company will also include Jonathan Christopher and Nicole Weiss.

The creative team for Octet is made up of Or Matias (music supervision and music direction), Amy Rubin and Brittany Vasta (scenic design), Brenda Abbandandolo (costume design), Christopher Bowser (lighting design) and Hidenori Nakajo (sound design). The Production stage manager is Jhanaë Bonnick, and casting is by Caparelliotis.

Octet is the first production in Malloy’s Signature Residency, which will include three productions over the course of five years. The world premiere will continue through June 9.