Casting is nearly complete for the North Shore Music Theatre's production of I Sent a Letter to My Love, which will play the Massachusetts theatre Sept. 3 to Sept. 22.
Cass Morgan heads the cast of the Melissa Manchester musical, which is making its New England premiere at the acclaimed regional theatre. Morgan will star as Amy; others in the company include Diana Canova (Miss Morgan), Kevin Early (Jimmy) and Bethe B. Austin (Gwen). Stephen Bogardus, who was originally scheduled to play Stan, has withdrawn from the production to be a part of the upcoming Broadway mounting of Man of La Mancha; a replacement has yet to be named.
The romantic musical by Grammy winner Manchester and dramatist Jeffrey Sweet is based on a novel by Bernice Rubens and concerns a brother and sister who unwittingly write lonely-heart love letters to each other. Directed by Patricia Birch, the musical features new orchestrations by three-time Tony winner — including this season's Thoroughly Modern Millie — Doug Besterman. The remainder of the creative team comprises Phil Reno (musical direction), Jim Morgan (scenic designer), Kirk Bookman (lighting designer) and Susan E. Picinich (costume design).
Cass Morgan has appeared on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast, The Human Comedy, Hair and Pump Boys and Dinettes; she was a co writer for the latter. Her Off-Broadway credits include Violet, Floyd Collins, Inside Out, Merrily We Roll Along, La Bohéme, The Knife, Feast Here Tonight and Hang On to the Good Times. Her screen credits include "Bed of Roses," "Vengeance" and "Lucky Luke."
Best known for her role on the TV series "Soap," Diana Canova starred on Broadway in They're Playing Our Song and the revival of Stephen Sondheim's Company. She recently appeared in the world premiere of the play Thumbs, and her screen credits include "One True Thing" and "Throb" and "I'm a Big Girl Now." The North Shore Music Theatre is located on Dunham Road in Beverly, MA. Tickets for musicals are priced between $24 and $62 and may purchased by calling (978) 232-7200 or by going to the theatre's website, www.nsmt.org.
North Shore Music Theatre season at a glance:
The Wizard of Oz: Now through Aug. 11
I Sent a Letter to My Love: Sept. 3-Sept. 22
Dracula: A Chamber Musical: Oct. 1-Oct. 20
Chicago: Oct. 29-Nov. 17
A Christmas Carol: Dec. 14-23
—By Andrew Gans
