Katie Brayben, who starred in the title role of the Tammy Faye musical both in London and on Broadway, will be part of the ensemble cast of The Old Vic's return production of Girl From the North Country.
As previously reported, Girl From the North Country, which made its world premiere at the Old Vic in 2017, will return to the London venue this summer. Written and directed by Conor McPherson with music and lyrics by Bob
Dylan, the musical will be presented June 24鈥揂ugust 23 with an official
opening July 9.
The company of actors and musicians includes many reprising their roles from the musical's productions around the world.
Brayben, who will play Elizabeth Laine, will be joined by Colin Bates as Gene Laine, Colin Connor as Nick Laine, David Ganly as Mr. Burke, Steffan Harri as Elias Burke, Justina Kehinde as Marianne Laine, Teddy Kempner as Mr. Perry, Sifiso Mazibuko as Joe Scott, Eugene McCoy as Reverend Marlowe, Chris McHallem as Dr. Walker, Maria Omakinwa as Mrs. Neilsen, Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs. Burke, and Lydia White as Katherine Draper as well as ensemble members Frankie Hart, Ryan Heenan, Graham Kent, Nichola MacEvilly, and David Tarkenter.
Writer-director McPherson said in a statement, "We're delighted to have assembled this brilliant cast for Girl From the North Country as we return to The Old Vic鈥攐ur spiritual home where it all began. Many of our cast are returning to roles they performed in the West End, on Broadway, in Canada, and on tour in Ireland and U.K. I couldn鈥檛 be more thrilled to see them bring these characters to life again and to hear their stunning voices perform the timeless songs of Bob Dylan. We are also excited to welcome some absolutely incredible new performers, and I can鈥檛 wait to welcome audiences back to The Old Vic very soon."
The creative team also includes set and costume designer Rae Smith,
orchestrator, arranger, and musical supervisor Simon Hale (with
additional arrangements by McPherson and Hale), lighting designer Mark
Henderson, sound designer Simon Baker, movement director Lucy Hind,
musical director Alan Berry, casting director Jessica Ronane, voice and dialect coach Salvatore Sorce, fight director Bret Yount, and wig, hair, and makeup supervisor Campbell Young Associates.
Featuring a book by director McPherson and music from Dylan's
catalog, the musical offers a slice-of-life look at a small community in
Duluth, Minnesota, where the Laine family operates a rundown
guesthouse.
Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus said in an earlier statement, "What an honor to welcome Girl from the North Country back to The Old Vic, following its world premiere here on our stage eight years ago. It鈥檚 no exaggeration to say this production has played a major role in redefining what musical theatre can be, delivering a form-bending story of love, loss, and hope that has resonated far and wide. When I was first introduced to this project, it felt once-in-a-lifetime鈥攖he combination of Bob Dylan鈥檚 songs and Conor McPherson鈥檚 writing is truly extraordinary and completely unforgettable. I鈥檓 delighted to have Conor back directing his original landmark production; I know this will be very special for our audiences."
Following its world premiere at The Old Vic, Girl From the North Country transferred to the West End in 2017. The musical opened on Broadway in 2020. A filmed performance from the musical's Broadway run is set to premiere on PBS in May.
Girl From the North Country received seven 2022 Tony nominations, including Best New Musical, Best Book of a Musical (McPherson), Best Orchestrations (Simon Hale), Best Sound Design of a Musical (Simon Baker), Best Direction of a Musical (McPherson), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Mare Winningham), and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Jeannette Bayardelle). Hale won the Tony for his orchestrations.
The musical has since had multiple international productions, including in Canada and Australia, major tours across the U.S., U.K. and Ireland, and a revival in the West End in 2019.
Visit .
