JOY: A New True Musical, based on the life of businesswoman and inventor Joy Mangano, will begin previews Off-Broadway at the Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre June 21 prior to an official opening July 20.
Tony nominee Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet, Waitress) will star in the title role of the new musical, which will be directed by Lorin Latarro with choreography by Emmy winner Joshua Bergasse. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
JOY, which features a book by Tony winner Ken Davenport and music and lyrics by Tony nominee AnnMarie Milazzo, is based on the true story of Mangano, the inventor of the Miracle Mop, and follows the single mother's financial struggles as she builds a business empire. The musical is adapted from Mangano's memoir Inventing Joy: Dare to Build a Brave and Creative Life, and played a world premiere engagement at New Jersey's George Street Playhouse in 2022. Latarro directed a recent industry reading in NYC.
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“I am beyond thrilled that JOY is opening in NYC this summer,” said Mangano in a statement. “This musical will excite everyone who experiences it! Betsy radiates joy in every way, and I’m honored she’s going to be the driving force of inspiring others with my story in this production. The music will keep you singing even after you leave!"
“Joy is the fighter, the unsung hero in all of us. At a time where women were often left to stifle dreams, her love for her family led her to do something extraordinary and shows us all what it looks like to believe in yourself,” added Wolfe.
The upcoming production will also have scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Tina McCartney, sound design by Kai Harada and Haley Parcher, projection and video design by David Bengali, hair and wig design by Darion Matthews, music supervision by Andy Einhorn, music direction by Jillian Zack, production stage management by Christine D’Amore, and general management by ShowTown Theatricals.
Sandi Moran and Davenport produce with TBD Theatricals, Christine Petti, Jonathan & Rae Corr, Scott Abrams, Adam Riemer, Christine G. Williamson, Sheri and Les Biller, Michael T. Cohen & Robin Reinach, Ashley Howe, Marco Santarelli, Mark Jacobs, Sara Miller McCune, Megan Ann Rasmussen, and Larry and Robin Kaufman.
Performances will continue through August 17.
Although it is being performed at The Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, JOY: A New True Musical is not a Roundabout Theatre Company production.
Visit JoytheMusical.com.
