Casting is complete for Signature Theatre's world-premiere commission of the new musical Blackbeard, which will be presented June 18–July 14 in the MAX Theatre in Arlington, Virginia.
Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer will direct the production featuring book and lyrics by John Dempsey (The Witches of Eastwick, The Fix) and music by Dana P. Rowe (The Witches of Eastwick, The Fix).
Chris Hoch (War Paint, Matilda The Musical) will star as Blackbeard with Rory Boyd (Lyric Stage Company’s Camelot) as Roger, Maria Egler (Signature’s A Little Night Music) as La Mer/Morgan, Ben Gunderson (Signature’s Grand Hotel) as Gerrick/Maynard, Kevin McAllister (Come From Away) as Caesar, Christopher Mueller (Signature’s Passion) as Kamikaza/Jack Five Fingers, Nova Y. Payton (Signature’s Ain’t Misbehavin’) as Dominique/Sal, Lawrence Redmond (Signature’s Grand Hotel) as Samuel, Awa Sal Secka (Signature’s Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kali Maa/Shanti, and Bobby Smith (Signature’s Grand Hotel) as Karl.
After learning he’s a wanted man by the British army, Blackbeard and his merry crew of maritime marauders embark on a fantastical journey across the globe to raise an undead pirate army from the depths of the sea.
The production will also have choreography by Matthew Gardiner, musical direction by co-orchestrator David Holcenberg, co-orchestrations by keyboard programmer Scott Wasserman, scenic design by Paul Tate DePoo III, lighting design by Chris Lee, costume design by Erik Teague, sound design by Ryan Hickey, wig design by Anne Nesmith, and fight choreography by Casey Kaleba.
The production stage manager is Kerry Epstein, the assistant stage manager is Julianne Menassian, and the production assistant is Joey Blakely. Casting is by Kelly Crandall d’Amboise.
“Blackbeard is the perfect finale to our 2018-19 season,” said Schaeffer. “This adventurous musical promises to be an entertaining ride. Blackbeard marks Signature’s fifth musical production by John Dempsey and Dana Rowe and we have an amazing cast and design team assembled to bring this magical story to life. As we turn the MAX Theatre into a sailing pirate ship and ocean we look forward to kicking off the summer with this hilarious and wildly original adventure for the entire family.”
