Blickenstaff, Blum, Etc. Set for Meet John Doe in D.C.

Full casting has been announced for the Washington, D.C. premiere of Meet John Doe, which will be presented from March 16th through April 29th at Ford's Theatre.

Directed by Helen Hayes Award-winner Eric Schaeffer (Putting It Together), the musical will feature Heidi Blickenstaff ([title of show]),Joel Blum (The Music Man, Steel Pier), James Moye (Urinetown, The Full Monty), Guy Paul (Twelve Angry Men, King Lear), Patrick Ryan Sullivan (42nd Street, Titanic), and Stephen Smith. Christopher Bloch, Suzanne Briar, Michael Bunce, Evan Casey, Daniel Cohen, Danielle Eden, Eleasha Gamble, Channez McQuay, Amy McWilliams, Tracy Lynn Olivera and Thomas Adrian Simpson will be featured in the ensemble.

Based on the classic Frank Capra film, the musical (which was previously developed in a production at Goodspeed) features music by Andrew Gerle, lyrics by Eddie Sugarman, with book by Gerle and Sugarman, and additional story by Matt August.

According to Ford's notes, "this musical adaptation set during the Great Depression has as its hero a fictitious character, John Doe, created out of one reporter's desperate desire to remain employed. John Doe's story resonates powerfully with people across the country, and so his creator must find a real man to embody the idea of this growing icon. As powerful forces attempt to use him for their own political gain, the fake John Doe finds his voice by appealing to the best in human nature."

The musical will feature musical staging by Karma Camp, musical direction by Jamie Schmidt, and orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, with sets by Derek McLane, costumes by Alejo Vietti, lighting by Rui Rita, and sound by David Budries.

Visit www.fordstheatre.org for tickets and more information.

Photo of Heidi Blickenstaff by Ben Strothmann