Opening June 14 at the Studebaker Theatre, Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical continues its Chicago premiere with Broadway's Saint Aubyn starring in the titular role. Previews for the new work about the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer began June 2.
Aubyn (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations) reprises the leading role after originating it in its world premiere at People's Light Theatre in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Also reprising a role from the Pennsylvania run is Stanley Wayne Mathis (Jelly's Last Jam, The Lion King) as Harold Logan. Director Sheldon Epps (Blues in the Night) also returns along with choreographer Edgar Godineaux (Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations), and music director Shelton Becton (Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill).
The Chicago cast also stars Darian Peer as Young Lloyd Price, Alexandria Reese as Emma, Miles Boone as Little Richard/Sam Cooke/Olisaemeka, Brian Grey as Art Rupe, Donnie Hammond as Rosetta Tharpe/Ma Nora, Donterrio as Dave, Alanna Lovely as Ma Naan, DeMone Seraphin as Mr. Price/Don Robey, and Karl Hamilton as Levy. Rounding it out will be Uria Bennett, Christian Denzel Bufford, Sabrina Edwards, Marcus Hardy, Josh Houghton, Nissi Shalome, Whitney Wandland, and Christopher Henry Young.
Featuring the songs of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Lloyd Price, the musical has a book by B. Jeffrey Madoff, based on conversations he had with Price himself. Price grew up in New Orleans before launching a music career in 1952 and becoming a success in pre-Civil Rights America. Bringing together Black and white listeners through his music, the show features an ensemble of singers and dancers singing some of his most well-known hits, like "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," "Stagger Lee," and "Personality."
The Chicago premiere welcomes scenic designers Tony winner David Gallo (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Viveca Gardiner (Miss Maude, Big Apple Circus), costume designer Raquel Adorno, Tony-winning lighting designer Jeff Croiter (Peter and the Starcatcher), and sound designers Tony winner Rob Kaplowitz (Fela!) and Jordan Tani. Projections are by David Gallo and Steve Channon (Memphis, The Mountaintop), and hair, wig and make-up design is by J. Jared Janas (Good Night, Oscar, & Juliet).
Personality is produced by The Hard Kill LLC. Adam Hess serves as executive producer.
Visit PersonalityMusical.com.
