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Audiences can now get an exclusive glimpse into the rehearsals for Wonderful Town at Encores! City Center. Recent videos showcase performances by Aisha Jackson and Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose, who will portray sisters Eileen and Ruth in the production. Rose delights with her rendition of “Conga,” accompanied by the cast, while Jackson offers her take on “A Little Bit In Love.” Additionally, viewers can enjoy a sneak peek of the tap choreography created by Ayodele Casel.
The cast is further strengthened by notable performers, including Jimmy Ray Bennett as Officer Lonigan, Etai Benson as Frank Lippencott, Allison Blackwell as Mrs. Wade, and DeWitt Fleming Jr. as Speedy Valenti, among others. Jessie Hooker-Bailey stars as Helen, with Javier Muñoz as Robert Baker and Fergie Phillippe as Wreck, contributing to this vibrant ensemble.
Additional cast members include Jonathan Duvelson, David Foley Jr., Lindsay Roberts Greene, Marc Heitzman, Sarah Michele Lindsey, and several others, making up a talented group eager to bring the storyline to life.
The music will be brought to life by a 28-piece Encores! Orchestra, skillfully directed by Mary-Mitchell Campbell. They will deliver beloved songs like “Ohio” and “Swing,” enhancing the overall theatrical experience. The run of Wonderful Town is scheduled from April 30 through May 11.
This musical, set in 1935, follows the journey of sisters Ruth, an aspiring writer, and Eileen, a hopeful actress, as they relocate from Ohio to Greenwich Village in pursuit of their dreams. Along the way, they experience heartbreak and encounter a diverse array of characters, ultimately discovering love in the vibrant city.
Wonderful Town features classic numbers such as “Ohio” and “One Hundred Easy Ways to Lose a Man,” paying homage to the spirit of New York City—a diverse and welcoming hub for dreamers from all walks of life. The production has a rich history with New York City Center, having been staged previously in 1958, 1963, 1966, and the Encores! revival that moved to Broadway in 2003.
Helmed by director Zhailon Levingston (known for Cats: “The Jellicle Ball”), and with the musical direction of Mary-Mitchell Campbell, this production stands as a testament to the creative talents behind the Tony Award-winning Best Musical. Its score is penned by the renowned Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by the celebrated duo Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The show also features choreography by Lorin Latarro and tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, along with scenic design by Teresa L. Williams, costume design by Linda Cho, lighting design by Ben Stanton, and sound design by Megumi Katayama.
Anika Noni Rose & Cast Perform “Conga”
Aisha Jackson Performs “A Little Bit In Love” With Etai Benson
Sneak Preview of Tap Dancing in Wonderful Town
Redwood
Nederlander Theatre (Broadway)
Idina Menzel makes her return to Broadway in Redwood, where the character Jesse appears to have a fulfilling life filled with professional success and family devotion. However, a transformative event propels her away from her familiar surroundings. As she stands before the majestic redwoods of Northern California, a chance meeting and a daring leap of faith set her on a new path, forever altering her journey.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com