Marshall Pailet's Private Jones opened its run at Virginia's Signature Theatre February 13 after beginning previews February 6. The work will continue at the D.C.-area company's MAX Theatre through March 10.
A new video montage offers a first look at the latest run for the new musical. Watch above.
The musical made its world premiere at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut in 2023. Pailet is back to direct after staging the Goodspeed bow, returning alongside choreographer Misha Shields, music director Myrna Conn, and Director of Artistic Sign Language Alexandria Wailes.
Some of the Goodspeed cast is back for the Signature run, including Leanne Antonio as Gwenolyn and Evans, Johnny Link as Gomer Jones, David Aron Damane as Father and Drill Sergeant, and Dickie Hearts as Henry, along with Alex De Bard, Amelia Hensley, George Psomas, and Emily Steinhardt. Newly joining the company are Deimoni Brewington as Bailey, Jake Loewenthal as Redvers, Vincent Michael as Edmund, and Erin Weaver as King. Rounding out the company as swings are Ariel Friendly, Nicholas Hohrman, Stephen Russell Murray, and Hank von Kolnitz. Casting is by Jorge Acevedo, with New York casting by JZ Casting.
Based on a true story, the musical centers on a Deaf soldier in World War I with a particular skill for sniping. The production features a cast of hearing, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing actors. The show is performed in spoken English along with some American and British Sign Language, with open captions to the side of the stage. Closed captions are available at all performances via the GalaPro app. February 22 and 27 and March 10 performances feature ASL interpretation.
The production also has scenic design by Christopher and Justin Swader, costume design by Phương Nguyễn, lighting design by Jen Schriever, sound design by Eric Norris, video design by Patrick W. Lord, wig design by Anne Nesmith, puppets by Nicholas Mahon, and orchestrations by Ryan O'Connell. Catherine Flye is dialect coach, Kerry Epstein is production stage manager, and Lauren Pekel is assistant stage manager.
Visit SigTheatre.org.
