McCartney assumes the role that Heather MacRae was announced to play; MacRae left by mutual agreement with the producers. McCartney previously appeared as Vern in the 2003 production of Bingo at the Adirondack Theatre Festival.
Since then, she has appeared on Broadway in Mamma Mia! (as Rosie), Thoroughly Modern Millie (as Miss Flannery) and Taboo (as Big Sue). Her other Broadway credits include Dance of the Vampires, The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.
Bingo opens Nov. 7 at Off-Broadway's St. Luke's Theatre (308 W. 46th Street). Directed by Thomas Caruso, the show has a book by Michael Heitzman and Ilene Reid, with lyrics and music by Heitzman, Reid and David Holcenberg.
According to producers, "In this environmental musical comedy, the audience gets to join in the Bingo game at Hamerin County's St. Luke's Church basement, where they will meet — among others — Vern, Honey and Patsy, three pals that have driven through a terrible thunderstorm in the name of their weekly obsession. In between the number calling, strange rituals and fierce competitions, love blossoms and estranged friends reunite, sending everyone home a winner."
Bingo also stars Tony nominee Ann Crumb (Anna Karenina) as Bernice/Joan, Chevi Colton (The Insect Comedy, City Center) as Minnie, Tony nominee Liz Larsen (The Most Happy Fella) as Honey, Beth Malone (Babes in Arms, L.A. Reprise) as Alison, Janet Metz (Fiddler on the Roof, Broadway revival) as Patsy, and Patrick Ryan Sullivan (42nd Street, Broadway revival) as Sam/Frank. With choreography by Lisa Stevens, Bingo features scenic design by Eric Renschler, costume design by Carol Brys, lighting design by John Viesta and sound design by Lewis Mead. Musical direction and orchestrations are by Steve Bishop.
Bingo — billed as "a winning new musical" — will play Mondays at 8 PM; Tuesdays at 8 PM, Wednesdays at 2 PM, Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM and Sundays at 3 PM and 7 PM. (There are no performances on Wednesday evenings or Thursdays).
Tickets for Bingo are $65 and are now available by calling Telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200. For more information, please visit www.bingothemusical.com.
