SOMETHING ROTTEN's Will Chase Books Recurring Role on HBO's 'The Deuce'

Deadline reports that Will Chase, who recently took over the starring role of William Shakespeare in the hit Broadway musical SOMETHING ROTTEN, has signed on for a recurring role on HBO's upcoming drama series THE DEUCE. The 'Nashville' actor will join previously announced cast members James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Michelle MacLaren will direct the series written by David Simon and George Pelecanos. The drama will center on "the legalization and subsequent rise of the porn industry in New York's Times Square from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s, exploring the rough-and-tumble world that existed there until the rise of HIV, the violence of the cocaine epidemic, and the renewed real estate market ended the bawdy turbulence."

Chase will portray a recently divorced father on the show.

Will Chase recently starred on Broadway in the revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood and on television as Michael Swift on the NBC series "Smash." The actor made his Broadway debut as Roger in the critically acclaimed show Rent. He went on to star in many Broadway productions including Billy Elliot, Miss Saigon, The Full Monty, High Fidelity, The Story of My Life, Aida and Lennon.

Memorable television appearances include Pat Mahoney on "Rescue Me," "Royal Pains," "Pan Am," "White Collar," "Blue Bloods," and "Law & Order Criminal Intent."

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