The Vineyard Theatre celebrated the world-premiere opening of The Beast in the Jungle May 23. The original work, a play that fuses a waltz-inspired instrumental score with ballet and contemporary dance, is inspired by Henry James’ 1903 novella.
The Beast in the Jungle is created by Tony-winning composer John Kander, Tony-nominated playwright David Thompson, and Tony-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman.
The cast is led by Teagle F. Bougere (The Crucible), Tony Yazbeck (On the Town), former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Irina Dvorovenko (The Americans), and Peter Friedman (Ragtime).
Read reviews for the Off-Broadway production:
The Hollywood Reporter (Frank Scheck)
The New York Times (Ben Brantley)
NY Daily News (Joe Dziemianowicz)
New York Magazine / Vulture (Sara Holdren)
Previews for The Beast in the Jungle began May 4. The story follows John Marcher, a man haunted by personal demons, whose great, yet unfulfilled love affair with an unforgettable woman spans decades and continents.
Completing the cast are Maira Barriga (Miami City Ballet’s Corps De Ballet), Elizabeth Dugas (The Metropolitan Opera’s The Merry Widow), Leah Hofmann (Something Rotten!), Naomi Kakuk (The Producers), Brittany Marcin Maschmeyer (Bullets Over Broadway), Erin Moore (Shuffle Along), and Clifton Samuels (Follies).
The extended Off-Broadway engagement of The Beast in the Jungle continues through June 17.
