New Musical From The Lion King Writer Roger Allers Sets Reading in California

Crocodile, Inc. will present a world premiere reading of the new musical The Grasshopper October 7 at 1 PM at Venice, California's Pacific Resident Theatre. The work features a book and lyrics by The Lion King writer Roger Allers and music by Genaro Pereira. Allers is directing, and Pereira is music directing.

The work brings fables to life on stage, following writer Jean de la Fontaine, who can see the animals beneath the "mask of respectability." His thoughts on tyrants put him at odds with Louis XIV, who tries to suppress de la Fontaine even as his wit makes him popular with the people.

The reading cast will feature Tomasina Abate (Love Actually Live), Julia Black (Were the World Mine), Abby Carlson (The Sound Of Music), Sarah Chaney (The Oath), Ashley Faatoalia (Treemonisha with Volcano), Barrett Foa (NCIS: LA), Michael Thomas Grant (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist), Doug Kreeger (The Visit), Douglas Ladnier (Jekyll & Hyde), Jonathan Ritter (Finding Neverland), and Jason Michael Snow (The Book of Mormon). Casting is by Annie Stuart.

Matthew Rimmer serves as executive producer, with Jill Gold as production supervisor and Margaret M. Saba as stage manager. Barry Tan will play piano. LDK Productions is general managing.

Those interested in attending should email [email protected].