Broadway-aimed Dion jukebox biomusical The Wanderer will get an industry presentation in NYC January 23. The musical features a book by Charles Messina (A Room of My Own) and is being directed by Kenneth Ferrone.
The Wanderer tells the life story of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dion DiMucci. Both as lead singer of Dion and the Belmonts and then as a solo artist, the mononym-billed Dion was one of the most popular American rock n’ roll performers of his time. He had 30 Top 40 hits in the late ’50s and ’60s, including “Runaround Sue,” “Teenager in Love," “I Wonder Why,” “Ruby Baby,” “Abraham, Martin and John,” and “The Wanderer.” He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
The musical got a full staging in 2022 at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse, and has had its eyes on Broadway ever since. The project, which has been guided by producers Jill Menza and Charles Messina, recently picked up some new faces for its producing team: Springsteen guitarist Stevie Van Zandt and wife Maureen Van Zandt.
The upcoming readings will feature a cast that is largely new to the musical, including Joshua Bassett (Little Shop of Horrors, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) as Dion, Olivia Holt (Chicago) as Susan, and Diego Andres Rodriguez (Sunset Blvd.) as Johnny, along with Tommy Bracco, Stephen Cerf, Sarah Daniels, Morgan Dudley, Billy Finn, Natalie Gallo, Kingsley Leggs, Jess LeProtto, Robin Masella, Janayé McAlpine, Julio Rey, Deandre Sevon, Gabi Stapula, Johnny Tammaro, Joli Tribuzio, and Noah Weisberg. Casting is by The Telsey Office's Patrick Goodwin.
The project is being choreographed by Sarah O'Gleby (Almost Famous) and features music direction, orchestrations, and arrangements by Sonny Paladino (A Beautiful Noise).
“This next chapter of The Wanderer feels especially electric," says Menza in a statement. "We’re thrilled to be moving forward with a creative team and dynamic cast that capture both the raw youth and the lasting soul of Dion’s iconic music and story.”
“Dion is not only a musical pioneer, but also an active, vital artist, who for more than 50 years has brought a fresh energy and excitement to popular music influencing song writers and performers for generations," adds Stevie Van Zandt.
