London's upcoming world premiere Elvis Costello-Sarah Ruhl musical A Face in the Crowd has found its full cast, joining the previously announced Ramin Karimloo and Anoushka Lucas. The musical begins performances at the Young Vic Theatre September 10 and will open September 17, with the run continuing through November 9.
Newly joining Karimloo as Lonesone Rhodes and Lucas as Marcia Jeffries will be Stavros Demetraki (Oklahoma!) as Joey D, Olly Dobson (Back to the Future) as Mel Miller, and Emily Florence as Betty Lou, along with ensemble members Howard Gossington, Andrew Coshan, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Chris Jenkins, Durone Stokes, Vicki Lee Taylor, and Annie Wensak. Swings Jasmin Colangelo and Bobby Windebank round out the company.
With songs by Costello and a book by Ruhl, the musical is adapted from Budd Schulberg's original story and its 1957 film adaptation, following a radio producer who gives a jailed drifter a spot on the airwaves only to find out the move is more than she bargained for. The project has been in development for years, with the upcoming premiere following a 2016 reading in New York. Costello has also been known to sing songs from the score at his concert engagements dating back to at least 2015.
Kwame Kwei-Armah is directing, the final production he will helm before stepping down as artistic director of the Young Vic. The production will also feature scenic and costume design by Anna Fleischle, lighting design by Jackie Shemesh, music supervision and direction by Phil Bateman, sound design by Emma Laxton, and choreography by Lizzi Gee. Casting is by Heather Basten.
Tickets are on sale at YoungVic.org.