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World Premiere of “Take the Lead” Musical Opens at Paper Mill Playhouse
The highly anticipated musical “Take the Lead” launched its performances on Saturday, March 29, culminating in its official opening night on Sunday, April 6, at Paper Mill Playhouse.
This vibrant production is inspired by the 2006 film featuring Antonio Banderas and focuses on the life of Pierre Dulaine, a former professional dancer who transformed the dance landscape in New York City public schools. Through his endeavors, Dulaine introduced the joy of ballroom dancing to youth despite numerous challenges. The musical captures his inspiring journey, intertwining elements of both ballroom and hip-hop in its music and choreography. The creative team behind this world premiere includes a book by Robert Cary and Jonathan Tolins, alongside a score composed by Elliah Heifetz and Zeniba Now. Direction and choreography are provided by Christopher Gattelli, with co-choreography by Jennifer Weber and Maria Torres.
The cast is led by Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, known for her roles in 3LW and the Cheetah Girls, who plays the character Arianna. Other notable cast members include Vincent Jamal Hooper as Rock, Savy Jackson as La Rhette, Tam Mutu portraying Pierre Dulaine, and Matthew Risch as Alan. The ensemble cast features a diverse group of performers, such as Eric Ascione, Brandon O’Neal Bomer, and Tatiana Seliverstova, among others, contributing to the energy and talent showcased in the production.
The musical’s creative elements are underpinned by a skilled team, with music supervision from Bill Sherman and music direction by Geoffrey Ko. The orchestration and arrangements are handled by Sherman and Ko as well. Scenic design is crafted by Paul Tate DePoo III, while Jen Caprio takes charge of costume design. The lighting design contributes dramatically through the work of Justin Townsend and Nick Solyom, with sound design managed by Walter Trarbach. The comprehensive hair, wig, and makeup design comes from Earon Chew Nealey. The production stage manager is Molly Meg Legal and casting was organized by The Telsey Office.
This musical promises to be an enriching celebration of dance and youth empowerment, leveraging a strong narrative foundation and a fresh musical score to create an experience that resonates with audiences. The excitement surrounding its premiere reflects a growing appreciation for stories that highlight artistic expression and the potential for transformative impact through the arts.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com