A Thousand Faces: The Lon Chaney Musical will make its world premiere this spring at The Encore Musical Theatre Company. The run is set for April 21-May 1 at the Dexter, Michigan venue.

The pioneering silent film star Lon Chaney is best known for his work on early silent horror films, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera. A hearing child of deaf parents, Chaney was a highly skilled facial communicator, which earned him the nickname "The Man of a Thousand Faces." Chaney starred in more than 150 silent films, in which he developed makeup techniques that are still considered state-of-the-art transformations. 

A Thousand Faces is directed by Sam Scalamoni (Elf the Musical, Disney's Beauty and the Beast) with consultation from Ron Chaney, Lon's great grandson. The musical features a book by Eric Lane, music by Rachel Devore Fogarty, and lyrics by Kevin Fogarty. The production will be music directed by Gary Adler. 

Lon Chaney will be played by Danny Gardner (Flying Over Sunset, Dames At Sea). Further casting information will be released at a later time. 

"I can't believe this is coming to fruition and am so pleased that the Encore has welcomed us,” shares Ron Chaney. “My great grandfather's life experiences formed him into one of the most gifted actors and artists to have ever graced the stage and screen. Both Lon Chaney and Lon Chaney, Jr. are very well known for playing monsters and 'scaring' people. This amazing story and musical shows their human side that hopefully will touch your heart."

For more information, visit TheEncoreTheatre.org.