The Old Globe has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming U.S. premiere of the new musical Ride. Performances begin March 30, 2024 at the San Diego theatre's Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, with an official opening set for April 5. The limited engagement will continue through April 28.
Ride features a book by Freya Catrin Smith (The Limit, Part A), with music and lyrics by Smith and Jack Williams (The Limit, Part A). Set in 1895, the musical follows Annie Londonderry's endeavor to ride a bicycle around the world, accompanied by her unwitting secretary, Martha. Sarah Meadows (Marie Curie) will direct.
The cast will feature Alex Finke (Les Misérables) as Annie, and Livvy Marcus (Life After) as Martha. Aubrey Matalon (Six) will cover both roles. Casting is by Jim Carnahan and Jason Thinger.
“When Ride makes its U.S. premiere at The Old Globe, American audiences are going to make a series of wonderful discoveries,” Globe Artistic Director Barry Edelstein said in a statement. “First, they’re going to meet the Fred Ebb Award–winning writer-composer team, whose talents are breathtaking. Second, they’re going to meet Annie Londonderry, a real person who did something amazing and inspiring. And third, they’re going to meet Ride’s version of Annie, a thrilling musical theatre character whose energy, charm, guile, and vulnerability are unforgettable. Spending time with her and with this exciting new show is magical. I can’t wait for San Diego audiences to enjoy it.”
The creative team includes choreographer Jennifer Jancuska, scenic and costume designer Amy Jane Cook, lighting designer Jamie Platt, sound designer Andrew Johnson, video designer Matt Powell, music director Daniel Green, and production stage manager Anjee Nero. Illusions are by John Bulleid, orchestrations are by Macy Schmidt, music supervision and additional arrangements are by Sam Young, and original choreography is by Natasha Harrison.
The work made its world premiere with a limited engagement at London's Charing Cross Theatre in August 2022, where Meadows also directed. The Charing Cross production starred Liv Andrusier and Yuki Sutton.
Ride is produced by The Old Globe by special arrangement with DEM Productions and Wagner Johnson Productions.
Visit TheOldGlobe.org for more information or to purchase tickets.
