Westenberg, according to a spokesperson for the Muny, will play the evil Captain Hook in the upcoming production of Peter Pan, which runs July 16-22. Frances Jue, seen on Broadway in Pacific Overtures, Thoroughly Modern Millie and M. Butterfly, will star in the title role with Shannon O'Bryan as Tiger Lilly. Additional casting will be announced shortly.
Gary John LaRosa will direct Peter Pan with choreography by Liza Gennaro.
Based on several chapters that appeared in James M. Barrie's 1902 novel, "The Little White Bird," the play Peter Pan was first performed in London in 1904. The hit musical comedy version of Barrie's classic first appeared in 1954 starring Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard in the leading roles. Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Jule Styne penned additional songs for it (including "Hook's Waltz" and "Never Never Land"). The score also includes "I Gotta Crow," "Tender Shepherd," "I'm Flyin'," "I Won't Grow Up," "Wendy," "Distant Melody" and more.
Robert Westenberg received a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk Award for his work in the original Broadway production of Into the Woods. His other Main Stem credits include 1776, Company, Abe Lincoln in Illinois, The Secret Garden, Les Misérables, Sunday in the Park with George and Zorba (Theatre World Award). He played Mr. Brownlow in last summer's production of Oliver! at the Muny. Westenberg is married to actress Kim Crosby.
The complete Muny season will feature Oklahoma! (June 18-24), Grease (June 25-July 3), Hello, Dolly! (July 9-15), Peter Pan (July 16-22), The Pajama Game (July 23-29), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 30-Aug. 5) and Les Misérables (Aug. 6-15). Tickets are available by calling (314) 361-1900, ext. 550; for more information visit www.muny.org.
