The Daily Mail first reported news of Karl's casting in the production that will premiere at London's Old Vic in July ahead of a March 2017 Broadway arrival. Representatives for the production confirmed Karl's casting to Playbill.com.
Karl will take on the role originated by Bill Murray in the 1993 film. He'll play a snarky TV journalist sent to cover Groundhog Day festivities in Punxatawney, PA, who's forced to live the day over and over again until he learns the errors of his ways and gets the day "right."
Groundhog Day is produced by Whistle Pig Productions, Scott Rudin and Columbia Live Stage.
Karl is a two-time Tony nominee for Rocky and On the Twentieth Century. He's also appeared in Legally Blonde, Saturday Night Fever, Wicked, The Wedding Singer, Jersey Boys, 9 to 5 and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Exact London dates have not been revealed. A March 9, 2017, Broadway opening was previously announced. No theatre has been named.
Karl's wife, Broadway actress Orfeh, shared news of his casting on social media.
Now, I can share this little tid-bit �� @andy_karl #Groundhogday #LondonFans GET READY! ⭐️⭐️����⭐️���� #BroadwayBound thx @realbazbam����A photo posted by Orfeh (@orfeh) on
Thanks for the congrats, all����
— Andy Karl (@Andy_Karl)
January 29, 2016
The musical has a score by Olivier Award-winning Matilda songwriter Minchin and a book by the film's original screen writer Danny Rubin. Matthew Warchus, who also directed Matilda and just took over as artistic director of the Old Vic, will direct.
Groundhog Day will have choreography by Peter Darling, and set and costume design by Rob Howell.
