The Paper Mill Playhouse production of Victor/Victoria starring Robert Cuccioli, Judy McLane, Tara O'Brien and Lee Roy Reams, opens Nov. 1. The show will run through Dec. 10 at New Jersey's State Theatre.
Blake Edwards’ musical, Victor/Victoria, is based on the 1982 movie musical of the same name and had a run on Broadway starring Julie Andrews. As reported earlier, the show will be directed by Mark S. Hoebee and choreographed by Arte Phillips.
Victor/Victoria is by Blake Edwards (book) Henry Mancini (music) and Leslie Bricusse (lyrics). The creative team for Victor/Victoria comprises additional music by Frank Wildhorn, musical direction by Tom Helm and choreography by Arte Phillips. The Victor/Victoria cast features Jody Ashworth (Squash), Dale Hensley (Andre Cassell), and Davis Hall (Labisse).
The design team for Victor/Victoria includes Robin Wagner (scenic design), Bob Bonniol (lighting design), Willa Kim (costume design), Jim Halliday (costume coordination) and Duncan Robert Edwards and David F. Shapiro (sound design). The Paper Mill Playhouse's 63rd season, which began in September with Cole Porter's Anything Goes (Sept. 6-Oct. 15), continues with Victor/Victoria (Nov. 1 - Dec. 10); a holiday run of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker; Yasmina Reza's Art (Jan. 3 - Feb. 4, 2000); Jule Styne and Bob Merrill's Funny Girl (April 4 - May 20); and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel (May 30 -July 15). A sixth show will be announced.
Robert Cuccioli appeared on Broadway in Jekyll and Hyde where he received Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards as well as a Tony nomination for his work in the starring role. Cuccioli has a history with Paper Mill, having starred there in Oklahoma!, 1776, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rhythm Ranch and Lend Me a Tenor. Judy McLane's history at Paper Mill includes Chess where she played Florence, a role she had understudied on Broadway. She also played Eva Peron in the theatre's 1996 production of Evita, Nancy in Oliver!, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha and Luisa in Nine. McLane has also done numerous one-night concerts, benefits and galas at Paper Mill as well.
In addition to Cuccioli and McLane, Victor/Victoria will star Lee Roy Reams as Toddy and Tara O'Brien as Norma Cassidy.
Among the bookings remaining this season at the theatre include Broadway and cabaret legend Barbara Cook (Dec. 5), country/pop star Kathy Mattea (Dec. 19) and Grammy winning stylist Michael Feinstein (May 1, 2000).
Reza’s Art deals with three men, thrown into turmoil by a piece of modern art, a conflict which forces them to reevaluate and renew their bonds of friendship. The play won a Tony Award and has since toured the nation.
Jule Styne’s Funny Girl chronicles the life of stage and screen comedienne, Fanny Brice, and features such songs as "People," "I’m the Greatest Star" and "Don’t Rain on My Parade." The original Broadway production starred Barbra Streisand.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel, based on the Molnar play Liliom, comprises many of the most memorable songs in musical theatre including "If I Loved You," "June is Bustin’ Out All Over" and "You’ll Never Walk Alone."
Tickets range $37 - $60, with flexible subscription options available. The Paper Mill box office can be reached at (973) 376-4343.
-- By Murdoch McBride
