Baldwin, Cullum, Hensley and Kaye Will Join Patinkin for London's Paradise Found

By Andrew Gans
and Mark Shenton
18 Feb 2010

Kate Baldwin
Kate Baldwin

Additional casting has been announced for the London world premiere of Paradise Found, the new musical that will see Tony Award winners Harold Prince and Susan Stroman sharing the directing duties.

The production will begin performances at London's Menier Chocolate Factory May 19, for a run through June 26, ahead of a Broadway transfer.

As previously announced, the cast will be headed by Tony Award winner Mandy Patinkin. He will be joined on stage by an all-American cast that boasts Kate Baldwin, John Cullum, Shuler Hensley and Judy Kaye. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Based on the novel "The Tale of the 1002nd Night" by Viennese author Joseph Roth, Paradise Found features music by Johann Strauss II, adapted and arranged by Jonathan Tunick, with book by Richard Nelson and lyrics by Ellen Fitzhugh.

"The Shah of Persia is feeling low," according to press notes. "So to lift his spirits he’s off to Vienna with his Eunuch in tow for some new adventures. He promptly falls in love with the Empress of the Empire, much to the dismay of her husband, so a resident of the local brothel – who is a double for the Empress – is substituted for a night of passion. But she’s in love with a Baron, who’s having an affair with the Soap Manufacturer’s Wife."

The production will feature set design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Judy Dolan, lighting by Howell Binkley and sound by Gareth Owen.

For more information call 0207 907 7060 or visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com.