STAGE TUBE: Alison Luff Talks BREAKING THROUGH at Pasadena Playhouse
The Pasadena Playhouse presents 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. Below, Alison Luff talks about her role, the show and more during the photo shoot for BREAKING THROUGH!
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.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.
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.
