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Love Life Returns to New York Stage After 75 Years
Under the direction of Tony Award winner Victoria Clark, with the musical leadership of Guest Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Joann Hunter, the celebrated musical Love Life makes its long-awaited return to New York City after a hiatus of more than 75 years. Originally set to be part of the 2020 Encores! series, the production faced cancellation due to the pandemic.
Brian Stokes Mitchell reprises his role as Sam Cooper, alongside several cast members from the original 2020 lineup, including Kate Baldwin as Susan Cooper, John Edwards in the role of Hobo, Sara Jean Ford playing Miss Ideal Man, and Clarke Thorell as Mr. Cynic. New additions to the ensemble for this 2025 revival include Andrea Rosa Guzman as Elizabeth Cooper and Christopher Jordan taking on the role of Johnny Cooper. It is important to note that Nicholas Christopher, who was initially announced for the role of Sam, will no longer be participating due to personal scheduling conflicts.
The production features an ensemble cast comprised of Kate Bailey, Jordan Barrow, Adam Bashian, Kerry Conte, John Harmon Cooper, Daniel Everidge, Nicole Fernandez-Coffaro, Ta’Nika Gibson, Joseph Ryan Harrington, Mary Illes, Andrea Jones-Sojola, Esther Lee, Cory Lingner, Cameron Loyal, Renni Anthony Magee, Robin Masella, Michael Milkanin, Kristin Piro, Nathan Andrew Riley, Heath Saunders, Daniel Schwait, Allyson Tucker, Nicholas Ward, and Minami Yusui.
Love Life stands as a unique collaboration between composer Kurt Weill and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner, representing their sole partnership in musical theater. This rarely performed work, which premiered in 1948, presents a narrative that spans 200 years of American history, viewed through the lens of an ageless family. It deftly interweaves the grand and intimate elements of marital life through a mix of sincere storytelling and biting vaudeville humor. The musical is regarded as a precursor to the concept musical genre, inspiring later successes such as Cabaret, Chicago, and Company.
For this Encores! production, the creative team includes scenic designer Ryan Howell, costume designer Tracy Christensen, lighting designer Paul Miller, sound designer Scott Lehrer, hair and wig designer J. Jared Janas, and illusions specialist Skylar Fox, providing a dynamic backdrop for this theatrical revival.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com