Two-time Tony Award nominee d'Arcy James (Titanic, Shrek, Sweet Smell of Success, "Smash") will take on the role of wealthy Texas cattle man Bick, opposite Tony nominee Baldwin (Finian's Rainbow) as his wife Leslie, and P.J. Griffith (American Idiot) as young oil tycoon Jett. Baldwin and Griffith originated their respective roles in the Dallas Theater Center production of Giant last winter. The musical is a co-production between DTC and the Public.
Michael Greif (Next to Normal, Rent, The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide...) helms the production that will officially open Nov. 13 for a run through Dec. 2. The musical, which will feature a 17-member orchestra, is based on Ferber's novel but is best known for its iconic 1956 film version that starred Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean.
Giant has music and lyrics by five-time Tony Award nominee LaChiusa (Queen of the Mist, Hello Again, Marie Christine, The Wild Party) and a book by Tony nominee Pearson (Baby). The musical had its world premiere at the Signature Theatre Company in Arlington, VA, in 2009.
The Public has also premiered LaChiusa's The Wild Party, See What I Wanna See, The Petrified Prince and First Lady Suite.
According to the Public, "Giant is a new American musical that spans generations in an epic chronicle of the state that’s like no place else on earth: Texas. Amid a turbulent culture of greed, bigotry and money, a powerful cattleman, his new East Coast bride, their family and friends – not to mention their enemies – embrace and confront the joys and sorrows that loom as large as the state they call home."
The Giant creative team includes costume designer Jeff Mashie, scenic designer Allen Moyer, lighting designer Ken Posner, sound designer Brian Ronan and choreographer Alex Sanchez. Chris Fenwick is musical director. Orchestrations are by Bruce Coughlin.
For tickets phone (212) 967-7555, or visit PublicTheater. The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan.