Announcing UK workshops of a major new musical BENNY & JOON based on the 1993 Johnny Depp movie
by Best of Theatre Staff on Monday 31 October 2022, 6:58 pm in Upcoming and New Shows
Benny & Joon is a delightful new musical comedy based on the beloved hit film. Sweetly romantic and genuinely touching, it tells the story of Joon, an eccentric young woman, her protective older brother, and the charming and whimsical Sam, whose exuberant love for Joon changes them forever.
With his perfect impressions of Buster Keaton and his playful spirit, Sam shows Benny and Joon a new way to see the world. It is a moving love story full of magic and madness, unforgettable characters and a beguiling score.
Benny & Joon, Book by Kirsten Guenther, Music by Nolan Gasser, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, explores what happens when we step out of our comfort zone and take a leap toward love.
As it prepares for an expected UK premiere, two 75-minute first-look workshop performances of Benny & Joon will take place at 5pm on Monday 14 November and 3pm on Tuesday 15 November. Tickets go on sale today at The Other Palace with £10 seats available to the public.
The cast features:
Christine Allado (Ruthie)
She was Tzipporah in ‘Prince Of Egypt’ (Dominion Theatre), Peggy/Maria Reynolds u/s Eliza Hamilton in the original West End cast of ‘Hamilton’ (Victoria Palace) and u/s Imelda Marcos in ‘Here Lies Love’ at the National Theatre.
George Blagden (Sam)
He was Presley Stray in Jamie Lloyd’s production of ‘The Pitchfork Disney’ (Shoreditch Town Hall) and on TV played Louis XIV, the lead, in three series of ‘Versailles’ and Athelstan in three series of ‘Vikings’.
Hannah Elles (Joon)
Hannah starred on Broadway as Margo Crawford in Steve Martin’s musical ‘Bright Star’ (Cort Theatre) and most recently originated the role of Jess in Jack Thorne’s Tony award-winning Broadway adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ (Lyceum Theatre).
Jak Malone (Waldo)
Jak was Hester in ‘Operation Mincemeat’ (New Diorama, Southwark Playhouse/Riverside Studios), Dim in ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (Everyman Theatre, Liverpool) and Draper in ‘Terrible Tales of Horrible Horror’ (Hope Street Theatre).
Landi Oshinowo (Dr. Cruz)
She is currently playing Mrs Phelps in ‘Matilda the Musical’ at the Cambridge Theatre. She was Jarene in ‘The Color Purple’ (Leicester Curve) and Nell in ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Southwark Playhouse).
Simon-Anthony Rhoden (Mike)
Simon is currently playing Aaron Burr in ‘Hamilton’ (Victoria Palace) and was Lola in ‘Kinky Boots’
(Adelphi).He was Robert Catesby in‘ Treason - Concert’ (Theatre Royal Drury Lane ). On TV he was Diana in two series of ‘Temple’ on SKY.
Andrew Samonsky (Benny)
Andrew originated the role of Benny in the US (Old Globe). His Broadway/NY credits include Lt Cable in ‘South Pacific Live’ (PBS), Neville in ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’, Ormisten in ‘Scandalous’ and Frank Russell in ‘Queen of the Mist’ (Drama Desk nomination).
Eric Stroud (Larry)
Eric was Dominic in ‘101 Dalmatians’ (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Watson in ‘Baskerville’ (Mercury, Colchester) and Narrator in ‘The Snow Queen’ (Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford).