Cast and Creatives Announced for GIRLFRIEND At TheaterWorks

TheaterWorks Producing Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero announced today the cast and creative team for the Connecticut Premiere of Todd Almond and Matthew Sweet's GIRLFRIEND. The cast features David Merino (Rent, National Tour) and CJ Pawlikowski (Book of Mormon, National Tour) in this tender, truehearted rock musical based on Matthew Sweet's seminal album Girlfriend.

GIRLFRIEND takes us on a journey of love and acceptance as two young men find their way to each other in an unwelcoming environment. Director, Rob Ruggiero said "GIRLFRIEND is an upbeat 90's rock musical that tackles the unversal experience of first love and self-acceptance. Everyone can relate to that time in their life when they've left high school and their youth behind - it's innocent and painful but wondrous and transforming, too. Audiences will enjoy the ride and appreciate the nostalgia of Matthew Sweet's music."

THE STORY: It's 1993 and mix-tapes are the language of love. In small-town Nebraska during the summer between high school and whatever comes next, college-bound jock Mike and sensitive but awkward Will find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other. In the rush of first-time love, the lines of friendship become blurred - it's complicated. A vibrant coming of age story set to Matthew Sweet's seminal pop rock album.

The creative team includes Evan Zavada (Music Director), Brian Prather (Set Design), Blair Gulledge (Costume Design), Rob Denton (Lighting Design), and Joshua Reid (Sound Design).

GIRLFRIEND runs March 22 - April 28, 2019 and will be performed at the Wadsworth Atheneum.