The Pasadena Playhouse (Artistic Director Sheldon Epps) announced today full casting for BREAKING THROUGH, a world premiere musical, with book by Kirsten Guenther, and music and lyrics by Cliff Downs and Katie Kahanovitz. The production is choreographed by Tyce Diorio, directed by Sheldon Epps and begins rehearsals this week. Preview performances begin October 27, 2015 with the official press opening on November 1, 2015 at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena).
The cast of 18 is led by previously announced
Alison Luff as Charlie Jane (Broadway:Matilda the Musical, Scandalous, GHOST the Musical, Mamma Mia!), and
Constantine Maroulis as Scorpio (Broadway: Rock of Ages, Jekyll & Hyde, The Wedding Singer, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas).
Pasadena native
Kacee Clanton returns to The
Pasadena Playhouse for the production, in the role of Karina, following her acclaimed performance in last summer's A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, which she also performed on Broadway.
Joining Luff, Maroulis and Clanton are: Robert W. Arbogast as Jed Barnes (NoHo Arts Center: Dracula, Praying Small),
David Atkinson as Peter (Musical
Theatre Guild: Bonnie and Clyde, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts:
Billy Elliot),
Will Collyer as Alex (Musical
Theatre Guild: Bonnie and Clyde,
Mark Taper Forum: Parade),
Teya Patt as Gwyn (La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts: CARRIE THE MUSICAL, The
Pasadena Playhouse: Sleepless in Seattle),
Katherine Tokarz as Liz (Broadway: Rock of Ages, White Christmas, A Chorus Line), and
Nita Whitaker as Amanda (National:Ragtime, Sweeney Todd, The Ten Commandments).
The ensemble features Fatima El-Bashir, Jessica Jaunich,
Reed Kelly,
Christopher Marcos, Dominic Pierson,
Andrew Pirozzi,
Terrance Spencer,
Laura L. Thomas and
Samantha Zack.
The creative team for BREAKING THROUGH includes
John Iacovelli (Set Designer),
Alex Jaeger (Costume Designer),
Jared Sayeg (Lighting Designer),
Peter Fitzgerald (
Sound Designer), and
Kaitlyn Pietras (Projection Designer).
BREAKING THROUGH is told through the eyes of a young, talented singer/songwriter, as she tries to navigate the treacherous shark-filled waters of the music business. She embarks on a compelling journey to find her way back to her authentic self and in the process rediscovers the music that truly makes her alive. BREAKING THROUGH features a score by Emmy award-winning songwriter and producer
Cliff Downs ("The Voice," "American Idol,"), and
Katie Kahanovitz (Girls Night Out Pop Radio), with a book by
Kirsten Guenther (Mrs. Sharp, 2008
Richard Rodgers Award-winner; the upcoming Benny and Joon). BREAKING THROUGH originated as a HOTHOUSE staged reading at The
Pasadena Playhouse. Launched in 2005, HOTHOUSE is the signature new play development program at The
Pasadena Playhouse.
Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The
Pasadena Playhouse, says, "We have put together an incredibly exciting company for the premiere production of this new musical (many of them returning to the theatre for yet another production). The fact that we got our first choices for almost every role is a strong indication of the quality of the material and the keen interest by artists in this story about artistic choices and the necessary but difficult challenge of remaining artistically authentic. I know that my collaboration with this company will yield wonderful rewards in many ways as we develop this material and then deliver it in performance to our audiences."
Alison Luff (Charlie Jane) - is currently playing the role of Miss Honey in Broadway'sMatilda the Musical. Prior to Matilda she spent the year staring as Elphaba on the 1st National tour of Wicked. Her original Broadway credits include; Scandalous and GHOST the Musical. Alison was also part of the Broadway and Nat'l Tour company of Mamma Mia! She has received a Denver Post Ovation Award for Best Supporting Actress in a musical for her portrayal as Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, at Theatre Aspen and was also nominated this year for a Henry Award for her portrayal of Jo March in Little Women at Theatre Aspen. She is also currently working with singer/songwriter and writing partner
Josh Franklin on her original, debut solo album. Twitter/Instagram: AlisonLuff.
Constantine Maroulis (Scorpio) - A Brooklyn born actor/musician/producer,
Constantine Maroulis is best known for his Tony-nominated performance as Drew, the shy wannabe rocker, in the Broadway smash hit Rock of Ages, as well as his appearance on the wildly popular television series, "American Idol." Constantine's other Broadway credits include the Broadway revival and tour of Jekyll & Hyde, with
Deborah Cox, and The Wedding Singer. Off-Broadway/regional credits include The Toxic Avenger, Jaques Brel, Macbeth, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Constantine can also be seen on the Amazon series "Mozart in the Jungle" as the recurring character of Oedipus, and in other television series such as "Unforgettable," "Law & Order: SVU," "Law & Order," and "The Bold and the Beautiful." Maroulis is the Spokesman for "Rockstar
Mickey Mouse" for Mattel/Disney. Constantine will be one of the headliners for the upcoming Rock in Rio concert this September in Brazil. His recordings include the Gold Record "Rock of Ages" originalcast soundtrack, "American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers" album (also certified Gold), his solo album "Constantine," and the Queen Tribute Album "Killer Queen." A new music project entitled "Jesus & Constantine" is currently in the works with
Lady Gaga famed guitarist Kareem "Jesus" Devlin. Constantine received his BFA from Boston Conservatory.
Twitter @ConstantineM
The
Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets, priced from $25.00 to $87.00, are available online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org; by calling The
Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529; or visiting The
Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday - Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates. On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday - Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.and 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit
PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
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