Jasmine Forsberg and Benji Santiago will star in the McCarter Theatre Center's upcoming world premiere of I & You: The Musical, which will open the season at the New Jersey venue September 13-October 12. The run is a co-production with Olney Theatre Center.

Based on Lauren Gunderson’s play I and You, the musical reunites Gunderson with director Sarah Rasmussen, who helmed the play’s premiere in 2013 and now serves as McCarter’s artistic director. 

The two-person musical, featuring an original score by Ari Afsar, follows 17-year-old Caroline (Forsberg), who is stuck at home with an illness and is surprised by a visit from Anthony (Santiago), an overachiever armed with a class project. What begins as a homework assignment turns into a soul-searching all-nighter.

Forsberg’s Broadway credits include Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends and SIX; she also appeared in the first national tour of the latter. Santiago made his Broadway debut as Younger Noah in The Notebook, and he also starred as Usnavi in In the Heights at The Muny.

“I’m beyond excited to work with these two extraordinary artists,” says Afsar in a statement. “Jasmine brings a presence that’s both commanding and deeply emotional, while Benji’s vulnerability and heart are utterly captivating. Together, they will be a force of nature.”

“Jasmine and Benji have unbelievably incredible voices—and illustrious careers as young artists. Not only are they Broadway stars, they have the warmth, humor, and mature depth of Caroline and Anthony,” adds director Rasmussen. “The creative team and I were blown away by their auditions, and we can't wait for audiences to hear and see what we loved in the audition room. We’re also thrilled to welcome our phenomenal understudies—Alex De Bard and Kishan Rao—who delighted us with their gorgeous musicality, comic timing, and heart.”

The upcoming production will also have scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Kara Harmon, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Elisabeth Weidner, projections design by Stefania Bulbarella, music direction by Sujin Kim-Ramsey, movement direction by Steph Paul, intimacy coordination by Alicia Rodis, and dramaturgy Julie Felise Dubiner.

Becky Reed serves as production stage manager. Tiger Brown is the BOLD directing fellow/assistant director. Casting is by The Telsey Office's Karyn Casl.

Visit McCarter.org.