Casting details have been announced for Kilworth House Theatre’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie which is due to open at the distinctive Leicestershire venue on 16 August.
The second production in the theatre’s 10th anniversary season will be directed and choreographed by Stephen Mear.
Mear and producer Celia Mackay this week announced the lead cast of Michelle Francis (Millie); Ashley Day (Jimmy); Clare Halse (Miss Dorothy); Matthew McKenna (Trevor Graydon); Rachel Stanley (Mrs Meers); and Irene-Myrtle Forrester (Muzzy).
The cast also includes: Romeo Salazar, Michael Lin, Luke Harley, Scott Sutcliffe, Joshua Lay, Matthew Jeans, Jak Skelly, Stuart Winter, Ross McLaren; Michelle Bishop, Natalie Woods, Karen Aspinall, Lauren Hall, Jessica Buckby, Emily Goodenough, Charlie Allen and Jo Morris.
With a book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan, based on the original story and screenplay by Richard Morris for the Universal Pictures film, the production features new music by Jeanine Tesori and new lyrics by Dick Scanlan.
Mear was joint choreographer with Mathew Bourne on Mary Poppins (London, Broadway, UK tour and US tour) for which he won an Olivier Award for Best Choreography and received a Tony Award nomination. Other credits include Singin’ in the Rain (West Yorkshire Playhouse and National Theatre), Anything Goes (National Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Crazy For You and Hello, Dolly! (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, the latter winning him a second Olivier Award for Best Choreography), Sweet Charity (Menier Chocolate Factory and Theatre Royal Haymarket), On the Town (ENO and Paris Chatelet) and Betty Blue Eyes (Novello Theatre).
Chichester musicals as choreographer include: Kiss Me, Kate, The Music Man, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Putting It Together, Just So, Funny Girl and The Pajama Game.
Mear also received an Olivier nomination this year for Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre (a transfer from Chichester) and has recently worked with director Josie Rourke at the Donmar Warehouse where he choreographed City of Angels. One of his most recent projects was Sunset Boulevard at the ENO, starring Glenn Close.
Thoroughly Modern Millie will play the outdoor space in the grounds of the Kilworth Hotel from 16 August until 11 September.
Angela Thomas
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