Waterfall, a new musical love story, begins performances September 13 in Bangkok, Thailand. The production will officially open September 20 and continue through October 1 at The Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre.
The cast is led by Josh Dela Cruz, Danielle Hope, Jon Jon Briones, J. Elaine Marcos, and Orville Mendoza with ‘Mind’ Punyanuch Pornsakulpaisal, standby Laura Darrell, and an ensemble of Thai artists: Rudklao Amratisha, Poom Kaewfajarroen, Adam Kaokept, Chantat Neill Knight, Johan Ouma, Kamolnun Ruddit, Kitt Pakapom, Monsicha Mongkhonnara, Natharot Suebyam, Natkritta Tibodee, Nutchai Sumonvarangkul, Pakapop Tengsuwan, Pipatpong Sakdanarong, Sudapim Bodhipakti, and Thanyathorn Thaicharoen.
Takonkeit Viravan directs the production, with choreography by Morgan Marcell (Annie Live!).
The musical features a book by Tony winner Richard Maltby Jr. (Ain’t Misbehavin’, Miss Saigon) and Karen Hartman, lyrics by Maltby, Jr., and music by Oscar winner and Tony nominee David Shire (Baby, Big), written in collaboration Maltby, Jr.
Waterfall is based on the classic Thai novel Behind the Painting by Sriburapha. The musical follows a young man with a low social status hoping to rise in the government, a Thai diplomat longing for passion, and an American artist searching for inspiration during the Depression. A complex love triangle emerges amid conflict in 1930s Bangkok and Tokyo, American democratic influence in Siam, and anti-American resentment in Japan.
The creative team also includes associate director Kenneth Ferrone, associate choreographer Paul McGill, music supervisor Dale Rieling, conductor Phatcharapong Chantapoon, orchestrator Apisit Wongchoti, dance music arranger Greg Jarrett, scenic designer Sasavat Busayabandh, costume designer Phisit Jongnarangsin, lighting designer Salisa Rattanachai, and production stage manager Andrew Neal. Casting is by Megan Larche Dominick.
“Creating Waterfall has been an international collaboration in the truest sense,” says Viravan. “This show has had an incredible developmental journey between artists from the East and West. We’ve learned so much from each other, sharing our cultures, experiences, and our shared humanity to create a new piece of theatre the world has yet to see. I am thrilled to bring the glorious production to our audiences in Bangkok.”
The musical was originally produced by the Pasadena Playhouse and The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Waterfall is produced by Scenario Company Ltd., with Jack M. Dalgleish as executive producer. Foresight Theatrical serves as general managers. Future production plans will be announced soon.
