Photo Flash: First Look at Imagination Stage's LYLE THE CROCODILE

An extraordinary crocodile that can tap dance, perform household chores, and rescue cats from burning buildings will star in the musical Lyle the Crocodile at Imagination Stage. Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer and adapted by humorist Kevin Kling, this production featuring music by Richard Gray is wonderfully warm and witty and will win the hearts of young people this holiday season. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Lyle the Crocodile is based on the books by author and illustrator Bernard Waber. The Primm family moves into their New York City apartment only to find a crocodile in their bathtub! Lyle quickly becomes part of the family, but nasty neighbor Mr. Grumps has it out for the reptile, simply because Lyle is different. After a parade, a trip to the department store, and a stint in the zoo, Lyle saves the day and earns his place as a beloved friend and neighbor.

Kurt Boehm, choreographer for the production, will play the title role of Lyle. Kurt previously choreographed at Imagination Stage for Dr. Dolittle and has performed at many local theatres, including The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, and more. Matthew Schleigh will play Hector P. Valenti and is a frequent performer at Imagination Stage. He was last seen in the Roald Dahl repertory and Seussical and recently performed in the New York Musical Theatre Festival with Dizzy Miss Lizzie's Roadside Revue's production of The Brontes.

The Primm family will be played by Jobari Parker-Namdar (Mr. Primm), Ashley Foughty (Mrs. Primm), and David Landstrom (Joshua). Jobari is new to Imagination Stage and recently appeared in the world premiere of Three Little Birds at Adventure Theatre MTC. Ashley has previously understudied at Imagination Stage. She is a regular performer in productions and cabarets with Pallas Theatre Collective and Perchance to Dream DC. Ashley also had the opportunity to perform as Mary Poppins for The Walt Disney Company. David is a graduate of American University and has performed with many area theatre companies, including Olney Theatre Center, The Studio Theatre, and Washington Savoyards.

Brynn Tucker and Michael John Casey will play the neighbors Ms. Nitpicker and Mr. Grumps, respectively. Brynn is a company member at Synetic Theater and has also performed with Ford's Theatre, Constellation Theatre Company, and Forum Theatre, among others. Michael John is an audience favorite at Imagination Stage, having performed most recently in Peter Pan and Wendy as well as in the Helen Hayes Award winning-production of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe.

Christopher Wilson and Phillip Reid will play an array of roles in the production. Both performed in Imagination Stage's previous season: Christopher was last seen in Seussical, and Phillip was last seen in the Roald Dahl repertory and Anime Momotaro.

Kathryn Chase Bryer (Director) is the Associate Artistic Director at Imagination Stage. She has directed over 30 shows in the last 22 years at Imagination Stage, most recently Peter Pan and Wendy. She served as a Directing Mentor for the 2013 Source Theatre Festival and will be directing Scapin for Constellation Theatre Company in January 2014. Kevin Kling (Adaptor) is a well-known playwright and storyteller, and his commentaries can be heard on National Public Radio's All Things Considered. His plays and adaptations have been performed around the world. Richard Gray (Composer) has contributed to Seattle's vibrant professional theatre scene as a composer, director, and performer for 20 years, and his composing work began getting national attention in 2005.

The remainder of the creative team for Lyle the Crocodile includes Music Director Deborah Jacobson, Set Designer A.J. Guban, Lighting Designer Brittany Diliberto, Costume Designer Frank Labovitz, and Sound Designer Neil McFadden.

Best for ages 4-12, Lyle the Crocodile runs in Imagination Stage's Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre November 20, 2013 through January 10, 2014. Tickets start at $12, and may be purchased online at www.imaginationstage.org, at the Imagination Stage box office, or via phone at 301-280-1660. Group rates are available.

Photo Credit: Margot Schulman

Mr. Primm (Jobari Parker-Namdar) surprises Lyle (Kurt Boehm)

Lyle (Kurt Boehm) helps Mrs. Primm (Ashley Foughty) around the house

Joshua (David Landstrom) and Lyle (Kurt Boehm) join the parade

Lyle (Kurt Boehm) and Joshua (David Landstrom) jump rope with the school kids

Mr. Grumps (Michael John Casey) warns Lyle (Kurt Boehm) and Joshua (David Landstrom) to stay away from Loretta the cat (Loretta) or else

Lyle (Kurt Boehm â€" center) finds himself in jail

Ms. Nitpicker (Brynn Tucker) befriends Mr. Grumps (Michael John Casey) and Loretta the cat (Loretta)

Lyle (Kurt Boehm) wins over Ms. Nitpicker (Brynn Tucker)

Mrs. Primm (Ashley Foughty) send Joshua (David Landstrom) to school

Lyle (Kurt Boehm) and Hector P. Valenti (Matthew Schleigh) save the day

Hector P. Valenti (Matthew Schleigh) tries to save Lyle

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