Casting has been announced for Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical in its Chicago premiere at the Studebaker Theatre. Performances are set to begin June 2 with opening night slated for June 14.
Saint Aubyn (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations) reprises the leading role after originating it in its world premiere at People's Light Theatre in Malvern, Pennsylvania last year alongside Stanley Wayne Mathis (Jelly's Last Jam, The Lion King) reprising the role of Harold Logan from the world premiere. Joining them will be Darian Peer as Young Lloyd Price, Alexandria Reese as Emma, Miles Boone as Little Richard/Sam Cooke/Olisaemeka, Brian Grey as Art Rupe, Donnie Hammond as Rosetta Tharpe/Ma Nora, Donterrio as Dave, Alanna Lovely as Ma Naan, DeMone Seraphin as Mr. Price/Don Robey, and Steven Strafford as Levy. Rounding it out will be Uria Bennett, Christian Denzel Bufford, Sabrina Edwards, Marcus Hardy, Josh Houghton, Nissi Shalome, and Whitney Wandland.
Featuring the songs of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Lloyd Price, the musical has a book by B. Jeffrey Madoff, based on conversations he had with Price himself. Returning from the Pennsylvania run are director Sheldon Epps (Blues in the Night), choreographer Edgar Godineaux (Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations), and music director Shelton Becton (Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill).
Price grew up in New Orleans before launching a music career in 1952 and becoming a success in pre-Civil Rights America. Bringing together Black and white listeners through his music, the show features an ensemble of singers and dancers singing some of his most well-known hits, like "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," "Stagger Lee," and "Personality."
The Chicago premiere welcomes to the creative team scenic designers Tony winner David Gallo (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Viveca Gardiner (Miss Maude, Big Apple Circus), costume designer Raquel Adorno, Tony-winning lighting designer Jeff Croiter (Peter and the Starcatcher), sound designers Tony winner Rob Kaplowitz (Fela!) and Jordan Tani. Projections will be by David Gallo and Steve Channon (Memphis, The Mountaintop), and hair, wig and make-up design is by J. Jared Janas (Good Night, Oscar, & Juliet). Shawn Pryby will serve as production stage manager.
Personality is produced by The Hard Kill LLC. Adam Hess serves as executive producer.
Visit PersonalityMusical.com.
