Reichard, according to a press statement, will depart the award-winning musical at the August Wilson Theatre following the Jan. 6, 2008 performance. The singing actor is then scheduled to play the title role in the New York City Opera's mounting of Leonard Bernstein's Candide, which begins performances April 8, 2008.
Reichard, according to the press announcement, is "very excited to star in this operetta." He also appeared in a production of Candide during his years at the University of Michigan.
The New York City Opera production of Candide will run through April 20. Arthur Masella will direct the Harold Prince production with choreography by Patricia Birch. George Manahan will conduct the orchestra. The cast will also feature Judy Blazer as the Old Lady. The role of Candide will be split by Reichard and Matt Morgan. Additional casting will be announced shortly, according to a New York City Opera spokesperson.
Candide features music by Leonard Bernstein, a book by Hugh Wheeler, lyrics by Richard Wilbur with additional lyrics by Bernstein, John Latouche and Stephen Sondheim. Visit www.nycopera.com for details.
Daniel Reichard currently plays Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, a role he created at the La Jolla Playhouse. The actor made his New York debut in Forbidden Broadway: 20th Anniversary Celebration and then played Keith Haring in the Public Theater's Radiant Baby. He appeared Off-Broadway in The Thing About Men, and his regional credits include productions of Brigadoon and Blood Drive.
Reichard has also become a mainstay on the cabaret scene, offering acclaimed solo shows at Joe's Pub, the Ars Nova, the Metropolitan Room and Birdland.