A fully staged showcase production of the developing new musical Watcher in the Woods—based on Florence Engel Randall's 1976 novel—will be presented September 11–15 at Urban Stages.

Directed by Chase Kniffen with musical direction by Brian Walters, the cast will feature Sophia Manicone as Jan/Karen Aylwood, Natalie Toro as Mrs. Aylwood, Carson Worthy as Mark/Marcus/Charlie, and Rachel Zatcoff as Kate/Janet Fleming. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

With music and orchestrations by Johanna Telander and a book and lyrics by Douglas Thompson, Watcher in the Woods is set in summer 1976 as Jan, still haunted by the traumatic loss of her father, moves into an old house in the woods with her mom and little sister. Forces she cannot see, and feelings that are not hers, compel Jan to unlock the 50-year-old mystery of a young girl's disappearance in the woods.

The creative team also includes set designer Chase Kniffen, costume designer David Marmon, lighting designer Joe Doran, sound designer Elisabeth Weidner, and hair and wig designer Bryan Gonzalez. Mo Guiberteau is the director of production, Betty Kasper is the production manager, and Michelle Elizabeth is the production stage manager. Casting is by Meredith Hoddeson.

The novel was previously adapted into a 1980 Walt Disney Studios film starring Bette Davis, David McCallum, and Kyle Richards as well as a 2017 Lifetime remake starring Anjelica Huston. Kenita R. Miller and Julia Murney starred in April readings of the new musical.

Click here for tickets.