Look out, Times Square, because the Griswolds are coming to NYC! Kate Rockwell (Mean Girls) and Hunter Foster (The Bridges of Madison County, Little Shop of Horrors) star as Ellen and Clark Griswold (respectively) in the new musical The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation, based on the beloved film franchise and featuring a book, music, and lyrics by The Other Josh Cohen writing team David Rossmer and Steve Rosen. The Broadway-aimed musical will start its world premiere run at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre September 10.
Get a first look at the new musical in rehearsals—along with reports from Rockwell, Foster, producer Ken Davenport, and more on what we can expect from the show—above.
Rockwell and Foster star alongside Livvy Marcus and Nathan Levy as Audrey and Rusty Griswold, respectively, with Jay Klaitz as Cousin Eddie, and Alan H. Green as Naked Commando. Also featured are Carol Angeli, Sydni Beaudoin, Sarah Bishop, Lindsay Nicole Chambers, Jennifer Cody, Merritt David Janes, Julian DeGuzman, Rohit Gopal, Olivia Griffin, Garett Hawe, Jaygee Macapugay, Heather Makalani, Jennifer Noble, Michael Olaribigbe, Julio Rey, Jody Reynard, Matthew Sims, Jr., Jonathan Wagner, and Brandon Whitmore. Newly joining the company are Megan Reinking as the alternate for Ellen Griswold and swings Connor Russell and Brenna Mikale Wagner.
Donna Feore directs and choreographs, leading a creative team including scenic designer Jason Sherwood, lighting designer Jeff Croiter, sound designer Kai Harada, costume designer Tina McCartney, and hair and wig designer Liz Printz. Musical supervision is by Greg Anthony Rassen, with music arrangements by Glen Kelly and additional arrangements by Rassen.
Produced in association with Ken Davenport and Sandi Moran, The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation was previously scheduled to play Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, Texas after the Seattle world premiere, but canceled the engagement citing the "rising cost of materials." A Broadway bow is in Davenport and Moran's plans for the project.