Eric Schaeffer directs the musical at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, Oct. 26-Dec. 12. Music and lyrics are by five time Tony nominee LaChiusa (Marie Christine, The Wild Party, Hello Again), with a libretto by John Strand. The show has been on Signature's radar for several seasons; it's billed as the "highly anticipated premiere." Schaeffer (Broadway's Putting It Together) is Signature Theatre's artistic director.
"In December 1888, a young French intern in Arles admitted a patient suffering from delirium and a self inflicted knife wound," according to production notes. "Dr. Felix Rey was convinced he could cure this unusual patient, a Dutch painter named Vincent van Gogh, of his 'nervous condition.' Set to an intensely beautiful score, this is the story of a provincial doctor's discovery of art and prostitution, and his unexpected encounter with madness versus genius, love versus obsession, and what we ultimately give up in order to hold on to what we find most precious."
Kuhn will play the female lead/love interest, a prostitute named Rachel who is a muse and obsession for both Van Gogh (the woman he presented his ear to) and for the doctor treating him.
For more information about Signature, the lauded resident Equity company, visit www.signature-theatre.org.