FROM PAGE TO STAGE Announces Casting for New Musical Readings

The From Page to Stage season of new musical theatre has announced the casting for its three semi-staged readings: Whatsonstage Award nominee Beverley Klein (Platonov, Ivanov, National Theatre; Candide; ENO), Ian Reddington (EastEnders; Coronation Street), Gerard McCarthy (Beautiful Thing; Hollyoaks), Jodie Jacobs (Rock of Ages, Shafetsbury Theatre; Legally Blonde, Kilworth House) and Union J's Jaymi Hensley are all taking part in the season at Tristan Bates Theatre this autumn.

As previously announced, the three readings are Luna Park, Bananaman the Musical and Rehab. Full cast and creative details for the readings are as follows:

Luna Park
Music by Hyeyoung Kim, Lyrics by Michael Cooper, Book by Daniel F. Levin, Additional Material by Michael Cooper and Hyeyoung Kim - a look at the partnership between Skip Dundy and FrEd Thompson, the true fathers of the modern themed amusement park.

It is directed by Benji Sperring (The Toxic Avenger, Southwark Playhouse; Shock Treatment, King's Head) with musical direction by Nick Barstow (The Burnt Part Boys, Park Theatre; I'm Getting My Act Together And Taking It On The Road, Jermyn Street; Closer Than Ever, Pheasantry).

Cast includes Geri Allen as Mabel Taliafero (The Wicker Husband, Unicorn Theatre), Georgie Ashford as Luna Dundy (Showboat, New London Theatre; Barnum, UK Tour), Craig Berry as George C. Tilyou/Balladeer (Closer to Heaven, Union Theatre; Miracle on 34th Street, UK Tour), Ian Gareth-Jones as Elmer 'Skip' Dundy (Mrs Henderson Presents, Noel Coward Theatre; Oliver!, Leicester Curve), James Gulliford as Joseph Meisinger (Labyrinth, Hampstead Theatre; The Stripper, St. James Theatre), Michael Hamway as FredeRick Thompson (Jackie the Musical, UK Tour), Lizzii Hills as Moon Godess/Rose/Old Rose (The Toxic Avenger, Southwark Playhouse; The Wizard of Oz, West End) and Chris Vincent as Reginald Stephens/Janitor (The Beatles: Love, Las Vegas; Oliver!, Sheffield Crucible).

Bananaman the Musical
by Leon Parris is the live action debut of the much loved Man of Peel.

It is directed by Fred Perry (Cinderella: Boom or Bust!) with musical direction by Mal Hall.

Cast includes Ralph Bogard as Dr Gloom (Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens, Leicester Square Theatre; Joseph UK No1 Tour), Olly Dobson as Eric (Matilda, West End; Carrie, Southwark Playhouse), Kate Graham as Mrs Wimp (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal Drury Lane; Mamma Mia, International Tour), Jodie Jacobs as Crow (Carrie, Southwark Playhouse; Rock of Ages, Shaftesbury Theatre), Gerard McCarthy as Mad Magician (Beautiful Thing, Nottingham Playhouse and Leicester Curve; Hollyoaks), Carl Mullaney as General Blight (Les Miserables, West End; Chicago, West End), Rosie Needham as Fiona (Legally Blonde, Aberystwyth Arts Centre; The Wedding Singer, Cliffs Pavillion), Quinn Patrick as Chief O'Reilly (Little Shop of Horrors; Jungle Book) and Graham Vick as Bananaman (Mrs Henderson Presents, Noel Coward Theatre; Top Hat, Aldwych Theatre).

Rehab
by Grant Black, Murray Lachlan Young and Elliot Davis is a poptastic, rock bottom to redemption journey for one rock star after choosing rehab instead of prison.

It is directed by Elliot Davis (Out There, Loserville) with musical direction by Bob Broad (Legally Blonde, Jesus Christ Superstar, Betty Blue Eyes)

Cast includes Kieran Brown as Henry/Eric (The Phantom of the Opera, West End; Wicked, West End), Cassie Compton as Lucy (American Psycho, Alemida Theatre; Wicked, Apollo Victoria), Ross Finnie as Barry (Billy Elliot; Cats, West End), Jaymi Hensley as Kid Pop (Union J, Elegies), Beverley Klein as Jane (Platanov/Ivanov, National Theatre; Into the Woods, Royal Opera House), Maria Omakinwa as Martha (Showboat, Sheffield Crucible; The Bodyguard, Adelphi), Ian Reddington as Malcolm (We Will Rock You, UK Tour; Coronation Street; EastEnders) and DamIan Williams as Phil (Hairspray, Leicester Curve and International Tour; Being Tommy Cooper, UK Tour).

Casting and creative details for the showcase evenings are to be announced. The showcases include new musicals in progress The Toyboy Diaries and Pollyanna and song-cycle Heart of Winter and 14-minute musical 21 Chump Street by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The season will be held at the Tristan Bates Theatre from 31 October - 20 November 2016. It is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment. Casting is by Benjamin Newsome. Full listings and show information is below.

Visit: www.FromPage2Stage.com |info@frompage2stage.com | @frompage2stage @AriaEnts

For all press enquiries, please contact Susie Safavi on 07875 277 913 or susie@safavipr.com

Listings

FROM PAGE TO STAGE 2016

Monday 31 October - Sunday 20 November 2016

Running time: varies, see website

Tickets: £12 - £16 / Box Office 020 3841 6611 / Book online at www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk

Address: 1A Tower St, Covent Garden WC2H 9NP
Full schedule below.

Overall Schedule

Monday 31 October - 7.30pm - From Page to Stage Opening Night Gala
Tuesday 1 November - 7.30pm - Rehearsed Reading 1 (Luna Park)
Wednesday 2 November - 7.30pm - Rehearsed Reading 1 (Luna Park)
Thursday 3 November - 7.30pm - Rehearsed Reading 1 (Luna Park)

Friday 4 November - 7.30pm - Rehearsed Reading 2 (Bananaman the Musical)
Saturday 5 November - 2.30pm and 7.30pm - Rehearsed Reading 2 (Bananaman the Musical)

Tuesday 8 November - 7.30pm - Rehearsed Reading 3 (Rehab)

Wednesday 9 November - 7.30pm - Rehearsed Reading 3 (Rehab)

Thursday 10 November - 7.30pm - Rehearsed Reading 1 (Rehab)

Friday 11 November - 7.30pm - From Page to Stage Showcases

Saturday 12 November - 2.30pm and 7.30pm - From Page to Stage Showcases

Sunday 13 November - 2.30pm - From Page to Stage Showcases

Tuesday 15 November - 7.30pm - From Page to Stage ShowcasesWednesday 16 November - 7.30pm - From Page to Stage ShowcasesThursday 17 November - 7.30pm - From Page to Stage ShowcasesFriday 18 November - 7.30pm - From Page to Stage ShowcasesSaturday 19 November - 2.30pm and 7.30pm - From Page to Stage ShowcasesSunday 20 November - 2.30pm - From Page to Stage Closing Night Gala