You don’t have to be a Broadway baby to scratch your onstage acting itch. In fact, all around the country—and outside of it—there are bustling theater communities producing works so vibrant they’d have Edward Albee rolling over in his grave. Want in on that action? You’d be wise to know the ins and outs of industry happenings, and this is a good place to start: From across the pond and back again, here is the week’s biggest regional theater news.
Fit for a princess.
“Diana,” the world premiere Princess Diana musical, has found its title star as well as announced its first production dates. Jeanna de Waal, who appeared in Broadway’s “Kinky Boots” and before that “American Idiot,” will portray the eponymous royal when performances begin at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse in February 2019. Featuring a book by Joe DiPietro and music by David Bryan, the biomusical will be directed by “Come From Away” Tony winner Christopher Ashley.
Winn Dixie sets sights on the stage.
Your favorite childhood book is getting the stage treatment. “Because of Winn Dixie,” the award-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo, will see its musical adaptation as part of Goodspeed Musicals’ upcoming season. The production comes courtesy of heavy hitters Nell Benjamin (“Mean Girls”), penning both lyrics and book, and Duncan Sheik (“Spring Awakening”), who will handle music. A run is slated for June 28–Sept. 1, 2019.
“Caroline” completes casting.
The highly anticipated West End revival of the Olivier-winning musical “Caroline, or Change” has announced full casting. Leading the piece, which features a book by Tony Kushner and score by Jeanine Tesori, will be Sharon D. Clarke in the title role (reprising her performance from the Hampstead Theatre production), along with Tony nominee Lauren Wars, Abiona Omonua, Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Alastair Brookshaw, and others. The run is slated for Nov. 20–Feb. 9, 2019 at London’s Playhouse Theatre, under the direction of Michael Longhurst.
“Eve” finds her leading man.
“Downton Abbey” star Julian Ovenden completes the cast for the upcoming West End production of “All About Eve.” Ovenden, also known for his U.K. stage work in “Finding Neverland,” will depict the role of Bill, joining previously-announced Gillian Anderson and Lily James. The 14-week run at London’s Noël Coward Theatre begins February 2, 2019, under the direction of Tony winner Ivo van Hove.
“Mandolin” sets sail across the U.K.
Twenty-five years after publication, Louis de Bernières’ best-selling novel “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” will receive its first major stage production. Launching a multi-city tour throughout the U.K. in 2019, the play will be directed by Oliver and Tony nominee Melly Still, adapted by Rona Munro. Casting is to come.
Don't miss your shot! Check out Backstage's theater audition listings!