Whitney Bashor (The Bridges of Madison County) is tapped to star opposite Jersey Boys’ Matt Bogart in Himself and Nora, a new musical that chronicles the love story between celebrated writer James Joyce and his muse, Nora Barnacle. Performances will begin Off-Broadway May 14 at the Minetta Lane Theatre, with direction by Michael Bush.
The show features a book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Brielle and is set to officially open June 6.
“It was one of the world's great romances. She was the country girl from Galway whose burning sexuality and acerbic wit inspired the genius of James Joyce,” state production notes. “Himself and Nora is a passionate musical that reveals the private life of one of modern literature's most controversial figures and illustrates the untold story of Joyce's lifelong love and muse, Nora.”
Creator Brielle explains that the more he researched Joyce’s life and work, the more he became fascinated by the ways in which Barnacle had influenced him. “Joyce was an intellectual, it took Nora to spiritually lift him with her words, humor, sex and love,” says Brielle. “This is their story...and how James Joyce learned to love by loving." The relationship was also the subject of the 2000 film Nora, starring Ewan McGregor and Susan Lynch.
Himself and Nora is produced by Cherie King and executive-produced by R. Erin Craig.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting HimselfandNoraMusical.com, www.Ticketmaster.com, or calling (800) 745-3000.
