Ayers, Duquesnay, Johnson and More Will Join Babatundé in New Musical Sammy

By Andrew Gans
and Kenneth Jones
14 Aug 2009

Sammy star Obba Babatundé
Sammy star Obba Babatundé
photo by Craig Schwartz

Complete casting has been announced for the world premiere of the new musical Sammy by lyricist-composer-librettist Leslie Bricusse.

Directed by Keith Glover with choreography by Keith Young and music supervision by Ian Fraser, Sammy will run in the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego Sept. 19–Nov. 8. Opening night is Oct. 2.

The new musical is based on the life of singer-dancer-actor Sammy Davis, Jr. with book, music and lyrics by Bricusse, and additional songs by Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

The cast will be headed by the previously reported Broadway veteran and Tony Award nominee Obba Babatundé, who will star as showbiz legend Davis, Jr.

Babatundé will be joined by the newly announced Heather Ayers (May Britt/Ensemble), Ann Duquesnay (Rosa Davis), Mary Ann Hermansen (Kim Novak/Ensemble), Adam James (Frank Sinatra), Troy Britton Johnson (Dean Martin/Cohn/Jennings/Ensemble),Ted Louis Levy (Sammy Davis, Sr.), Keewa Nurullah (Lola Folana/Ensemble), Perry Ojeda (Eddie Cantor/Ensemble), Victoria Platt (Altovise Gore/Ensemble), Lance Roberts (Will Mastin), Alonzo Saunders (Murphy/Ensemble) with Jenelle Engleson, Stephanie Girard, Lauren Haughton, Anise Ritchie and Sarrah Strimel (Ensemble).

According to The Old Globe, "Sammy traces the highs and lows of the ultimate triple-threat singer, actor and dancer. Davis became one of the greatest performers of his generation, paving new ground while struggling with issues of identity, race and a turbulent personal life."

The creative team also includes Alexander Dodge (scenic design), Fabio Toblini (costume design), Chris Lee (lighting design), John H. Shivers (sound design), David Patridge (sound design), Ned Ginsburg (orchestrator), Rahn Coleman (music director/conductor), Dominique Kelley (assistant choreographer), and David Sugarman (stage manager).

Tickets to Sammy are currently available by subscription only. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 23 at 10 AM and can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office.