By Ernio Hernandez
04 Nov 2009

Ephie Aardema

Casting has been announced for the return engagement of Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler's musical Dear Edwina at Off-Broadway's DR2 Kids Theatre.

Timothy McDonald again directs the show — which enjoyed an extended run last season (November 2008-April 2009) at the same venue. The new run will play Dec. 11-Feb. 15, 2010.

Ephie Aardema takes on the titular role as Dear Edwina, an advice-giving youngster. Playing her friends will be Serena Brook, Richard Cerato, Tina Diaz, Jessica Kaufman, Nicholas Park, Liam Quealy and returning actor Doug Thompson (who reprises the role of Billy).

Dear Edwina's "plucky heroine, Edwina Spoonapple, decides that she and her pals will 'put on a show'," according to production notes. "Edwina's special talent is giving advice, and she would do almost anything to be a part of the Kalamazoo Advice-a-palooza Festival. When a talent scout visits her hometown of Paw Paw, Michigan, Edwina — assisted by a host of quirky friends and neighbors — enthusiastically sings out her musical advice in hopes of finding her own special place in the spotlight."

The musical features music by Zina Goldrich and a book and lyrics by Marcy Heisler — the duo who also teamed on Junie B. Jones: The Musical. Joe Kinosian is music director/pianist/conductor. Choreography is by Steven G. Kennedy.

The design team includes Court Watson (set), Kathryn Furst (lighting), Theresa Squire (costumes) and Jeena Youn (props). Production Manager is Ricardo Taylor. Julie DeRossi serves as stage manager.

Tickets for Dear Edwina at the DR2, 103 East 15th Street, may be purchased by calling (212) 239-6200. For more information, visit DearEdwina.com.