Winther Replaces von Essen in George Street's Falsettos; Nathan Joins Cast | Playbill

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News Winther Replaces von Essen in George Street's Falsettos; Nathan Joins Cast Casting is now complete for the George Street Playhouse's upcoming production of the award-winning William Finn musical Falsettos.
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Michael Winther

Michael Winther, whose Broadway credits include Mamma Mia! and 1776, will head the cast as Marvin. Winther replaces the previously announced Max von Essen, who has departed the production due to scheduling conflicts. Anne L. Nathan, who was part of the original cast of Thoroughly Modern Millie, has also joined the company; she will play Dr. Charlotte. Winther and Nathan will join Colin Hanlon as Whizzer, Liz Larsen as Trina, Mark Nelson as Mendel, Malcolm Morano as Jason and Sarah Litzsinger as kosher caterer Cordelia.

Falsettos, which features March of the Falsettos (Act One) and Falsettoland (Act Two), will be directed by artistic director David Saint with musical direction by Joshua Salzman. Performances will begin April 10 and run through May 6.

On Broadway, Michael Winther has appeared in Mamma Mia!, 1776, The Crucible, Artist Descending a Staircase and Damn Yankees, while his Off-Broadway credits include Songs from an Unmade Bed, Hapgood, Berlin to Broadway, Forever Plaid, Predator's Ball and the original cast of Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding. Winther has worked at regional theatres throughout the country, and his film and TV credits include "Independence Day," "Universal Soldier," "Law & Order," "Mary & Rhoda," "NY News," "Rocket Power" and "Wild Thornberrys."

Anne L. Nathan has been seen on Broadway in the revivals of Chicago and Assassins, and she originated the role of Miss Flannery in Thoroughly Modern Millie (audiences embraced her for her no-nonsense turn as the typing pool matron, her conical wig and a tap break in the middle of "Forget About the Boy" in Act II). Her other stage credits include Ragtime, Swingtime Canteen, Les Misérables and Aspects of Love.

Falsettos, according to press notes, chronicles "the life of Marvin, his wife Trina and son Jason. As Falsettos begins Marvin talks about his desire to have a 'tight knit family,' which encompasses his ex-wife Trina, his son Jason and his male lover Whizzer. He relies on the advice of his psychiatrist, Mendel, to help him accomplish this, and asks Mendel to tend to his son as well. In making the acquaintance of the son, Mendel becomes enamored with Trina, and eventually they marry. As the first act ends, Marvin has succeeded in alienating all of them in his frenzied desire to keep them all close.

"The second act is set two years later, as Jason prepares for his Bar Mitzvah. The 'family' has grown to include 'the lesbians from next door': Dr. Charlotte and Cordelia, a kosher caterer. As the story progresses, Marvin and Whizzer reunite as all the adults prepare for Jason’s big day. The plans are derailed when Whizzer is struck by a horrible life-threatening disease. As Marvin deals with realities of his situation, his 'tight knit family' circles around him, and by being there, offer their love and support."

March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland were originally presented Off-Broadway. In 1992 Falsettos — featuring March as the first act and Falsettoland as the second — debuted on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre with a cast led by Michael Rupert, Chip Zien, Stephen Bogardus and Barbara Walsh. The musical won Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.

Tickets are available by calling (732) 246-7717. For more information visit www.GSPonline.org.

 
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