Broadway vet Nana Mensah (Jaja's African Hair Braiding) has joined the cast of Lindsey Ferrentino's The Fear of 13, making its world premiere at London's Donmar Warehouse beginning October 4. Opening night will be October 10, with performances continuing through November 30.
Mensah joins the previously announced Adrian Brody, who will star as real-world figure Nick Yarris. The story, adapted from a documentary film by David Slington, follows Yarris as he's convicted of murder and ends up petitioning the court not for an appeal but for an execution date. The production will mark Brody's London theatre debut.
The company will also include Michael Fox, Aidan Kelly, Posi Morakinyo, Cyril Nri, Ferdy Roberts, and Tommy Sim’aan. Casting is by Anna Cooper.
Justin Martin (Prima Facie) is directing, with the production slated to include scenic design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph, video design by Ash J Woodward, music and music direction by DJ Walde, and hair, wigs, and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates.
The play is the latest from Ugly Lies the Bone playwright Ferrentino, who's also penned the book of the Broadway-bound Stephen Schwartz musical The Queen of Versailles.
Donmar's upcoming season is its first under the leadership of new Artistic Director Tim Sheader. Along with The Fear of 13, the theatre will present the U.K. premiere of Dave Malloy's Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, the world premiere of Anna Mackmin's Backstroke, and a new staging of Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel.
Tickets are on sale at DonmarWarehouse.com.
