Performances continue at Arena Stage for the world premiere of the new musical comedy Dave, which began July 18 at the D.C. venue with direction by Tina Landau. Waitress star Drew Gehling plays both President Bill Mitchell and the title role in the new work from Thomas Meehan, Nell Benjamin, and Tom Kitt, adapted from the Oscar-nominated film.
In Dave, a high school teacher and presidential lookalike is hired by the Secret Service as a stand-in for the Commander-in-Chief. When the real President falls ill, Dave is thrust into the Oval Office to avoid a national scandal, and must find a way to gain the trust and love of the American people—and the First Lady, played by Mamie Parris (Cats, School of Rock).
The principal cast of Dave also features Douglas Sills (War Paint) as Chief of Staff Bob Alexander, Josh Breckenridge (Come From Away), Rachel Flynn (Off-Broadway’s Heathers the Musical), Bryonha Marie Parham (Prince of Broadway), and Jonathan Rayson (Little Shop of Horrors).
Read reviews for the world premiere below. Check back for updates.
DC Theatre Scene (Jayne Blanchard)
The Washington Post (Peter Marks)
Dave features a book by Meehan and Benjamin, music by Kitt, and lyrics by Benjamin. The production is directed by Landau, choreographed by Sam Pinkleton, and features music direction by Rob Berman. Performances continue through August 19.
Flip through photos below.
