Guarini stepped into the role with less than two days’ notice when Julius Thomas III suffered an injury prior to the first preview November 7. Originally scheduled to leave shortly after the show's November 11 opening, Guarini will now complete the run of the musical in order to allow Thomas III time to fully heal. Performances continue through December 2.
“What a tremendous stroke of luck that Justin was available to help us launch The New World,” Bucks County Playhouse Producing Director Alexander Fraser said in a statement. “When we needed someone to step in, Justin did so brilliantly. He handled the process so smoothly and effortlessly that it immediately put the entire cast and creative team at ease.”
“This has been one of the most exciting and challenging two weeks in my career,” added Guarini. “Learning the book, music, choreography, and blocking for an entire new musical in two days then putting it on its feet in front of an audience was something I didn’t believe was possible. I thank the outstanding creative team and cast for welcoming me and helping me make the impossible, possible.”
The cast also includes Ann Harada (Avenue Q) as Chief Hyannis, Jillian Gottlieb (Theater Under the Stars’ Into the Woods) as Susanna Standish, and Jennifer Perry (Kinky Boots) as Joan with Ginna Le Vine, Clyde Alves (On the Town) as Tago, Eddie Cooper (Encores! Assassins) as Miles Standish, Ann Sanders (Frozen) as Mrs. Corn, Rod Singleton (Ogunquit Playhouse’s Ragtime) as Colonel Corn, and Tyler Maynard (The Little Mermaid) as Carl.
Adena Ershow, Yael Rizowy, Kiet Tai Cao, Danny Bevins, Brandon Weber, and Annelise Cepero round out the ensemble.
The New World, which is set in 1620, reimagines the myth of the first meeting of the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
The New World has a book by Regina DeCicco and L.F. Turner, music by Gary Adler (Altar Boyz), and lyrics by Phoebe Kreutz. Stafford Arima (Allegiance) directs with choreography by Bucks County Playhouse Artistic Associate Lorin Latarro (Waitress).
The production also features scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Jen Caprio, wig, hair, and makeup design by J. Jared Janas, lighting design by Kirk Bookman, sound design by Joshua D. Reid, musical direction by Paul Masse, orchestrations by Danny Troob, and dance arrangements by Sam Davis. Casting is by Tara Rubin Casting.
Robyn Goodman, Alexander Fraser, Stephen Kocis, and Josh Fiedler produce.
For tickets visit BucksCountyPlayhouse.org, call (215) 862-2121, or go to the box office at 70 South Main Street.
