Off-Broadway Parent Trap parody Ginger Twinsies has added more star power to its producing team. Busy Philipps and Tony-winning Hamilton director Thomas Kail are joining previously announced producers Preston Whiteway, Jenny Steingart, Mandy Hackett, and The Parent Trap film star Elaine Hendrix.
Running at the Orpheum Theatre, Kevin Zak's new comedy is currently in previews and set to open July 24. Zak is also at the helm of the production, which is currently scheduled to continue through October 26.
“We are delighted to partner with this top-flight team to do our part to share this hilarious ride with audiences,” say Kail and Philipps in a joint statement. “It's such fun to watch the crowd buzz with anticipation on their way into this show—and then see them bound into the night after, still laughing from what they just saw and heard. This theatrical romp is just what we all need and deserve! Plus, they promised we could wear Meredith's hat once a month."
Leading the cast are Russell Daniels (Titaníque) and Aneesa Folds (Warriors) as identical twins Annie and Hallie, respectively; Jimmy Ray Bennett (Wonderful Town) as Martin; Grace Reiter (Prom Dates) as Chessy; Phillip Taratula (The Skin of Our Teeth) as Meredith Blake; Matthew Wilkas (So Help Me Todd) as Nick; Mitch Wood (Ginny and Georgia) as Lizard and others; and Lakisha May (Jaja's African Hair Braiding) as Elizabeth James. Understudies Casey Whyland, Mike Liebenson, and Omolade Wey round out the company. Casting is by The TRC Company's Xavier Rubiano.
Press notes promise "nostalgia, camp (literally, they go camping), and some unexpected twists" in the work inspired by the 1998 film written by Nancy Meyers, David Swift, and Charles Shyer. A remake of a 1961 film, 1998's The Parent Trap starred Lindsay Lohan as 12 year-old twins who are separated at birth when their parents divorce and move to different continents. A chance encounter at a Maine summer camp reunites them and sparks a plan to get their parents back together. The film was Lohan's first major credit, kicking off a career that skyrocketed soon after. The film also starred late Tony winner Natasha Richardson as the twins' mother. Erin Mackey served as Lohan's double.
The show features scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Wilberth Gonzalez, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Joshua D. Reid, and movement by Jesse Robb. Sarah Sahin serves as production stage manager, with Steve Rosenberg and Bethany Weinstein Stewert as production managers. Baseline Theatrical is the general manager.
Andy Jones is executive producer.
Tickets are at GingerTwinsies.com.
Aneesa Folds and company of Ginger Twinsies
Aneesa Folds and Russell Daniels in Ginger Twinsies
Russell Daniels, Jimmy Ray Bennett, and company of Ginger Twinsies
Grace Reiter and company of Ginger Twinsies
Aneesa Folds, Lakisha May, Russell Daniels in Ginger Twinsies
Aneesa Folds and Russell Daniels in Ginger Twinsies
Phillip Taratula and company of Ginger Twinsies
Lakisha May, Jimmy Ray Bennett, and Russell Daniels in Ginger Twinsies
Company of Ginger Twinsies
Company of Ginger Twinsies
Mitch Wood and Aneesa Folds in Ginger Twinsies
Russell Daniels and Jimmy Ray Bennett in Ginger Twinsies
Grace Reiter and company of Ginger Twinsies
Ginger Twinsies
Aneesa Folds and Lakisha May in Ginger Twinsies
Phillip Taratula in Ginger Twinsies
Grace Reiter in Ginger Twinsies
Matthew Wilkas in Ginger Twinsies
