International NewsBeautiful’s Chilina Kennedy Will Star in The House of Martin Guerre ConcertThe Stratford Festival will present the concert as part of its Forum Showcase in November.
By
Andrew Gans
May 06, 2019
Chilina Kennedy, who currently stars in Broadway's Beautiful—The Carole King Musical, will be seen in The Stratford Festival’s November 4 concert presentation of The House of Martin Guerre as part of the Forum Showcase at Stratford’s Avon Theatre.
With music and lyrics by Leslie Arden and a book by Arden and Anna T. Cascio, The House of Martin Guerre follows Martin Guerre, a 14-year-old boy forced by his parents to marry 11-year-old Bertrande. Bertrande suffers abuse at Martin’s hand for eight years, only to have Martin abandon her and their infant son. Years later, a stranger arrives, claiming to be Martin—completely transformed. Though Bertrande accepts her new loving husband, their happiness is threatened by the jealousy and greed of others.
Richard Ouzounian will direct the concert. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Kennedy, who was a member of the Stratford company from 2009 to 2011, made her Broadway debut with the transfer of the Festival’s 2011 production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
“I am thrilled to have Chilina Kennedy return to Stratford to sing the lead role of Bertrande in The House of Martin Guerre in concert. I know audiences will jump at the chance to see her on the Stratford stage once more,” stated Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino.
“I am very excited to dive into one of Canada’s richest musicals, having admired Leslie Arden for many years,” added Kennedy. “I am also thrilled to be coming back to Stratford and joining its talented company of artists and creators.“