Performances begin April 30 at the Signature Theatre for the world premiere of Octet, a new musical from Tony-nominated composer Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812). Annie Tippe directs the production, marking Signature's first-ever musical.

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 cast is 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.

Octet will officially open May 16 and is scheduled to play an extended run through June 16.

The company also includes Jonathan Christopher and Nicole Weiss.

The creative team 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.