On March 8, the company of Broadway’s upcoming Summer: The Donna Summer Musical met the press and performed three numbers from the bio-musical.
Led by leading ladies LaChanze, Ariana DeBose, and Storm Lever, the company offered a preview of "MacArthur Park," "Friends Unknown," and "She Works Hard for the Money." While these performances were backed by a track used during the rehearsal process, the production will feature a live band and all live music.
Directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys), choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (On Your Feet!, Jersey Boys) and written by McAnuff, Colman Domingo, and Robert Cary, the musical toggles back and forth between Donna at three stages of her life: Diva Donna, played by Tony winner LaChanze (The Color Purple), Duckling Donna (Lever), and Disco Donna (DeBose).
Produced by Tommy Mottola, the musical also features a cast of mainly female actors who play figures throughout Summer’s life, including male roles.
The cast includes Aaron Krohn, Ken Robinson, Jared Zirilli, Angelica Beliard, Mackenzie Bell, Kaleigh Cronin, Kimberly Dodson, Anissa Felix, Drew Wildman Foster, Kendal Hartse, Afra Hines, Jenny LaRoche, Wonu Ogunfowora, Rebecca Riker, Christine Acosta Robinson, Jessica Rush, Harris M. Turner, Aurelia Michael, and Jody Reynard.
Previews performances begin March 28 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre ahead of an April 23 official opening.
