Broadway's James Snyder, Laila Robins, Megan McGinnis and Tony Award winner Michael Rupert were among the previously announced principals.
Dangerous Beauty by Jeannine Dominy (book), Amanda McBroom (lyrics) and Michele Brourman (music) will star previously announced Powers (Broadway's Grease and Little Women) as poet-courtesan Veronica Franco, plus Snyder (Drama League Award nominee for Broadway's Cry-Baby) as her love Marco; Bryce Ryness (Drama Desk Award nominee for Broadway's Hair) as her rival Maffio; Robins (Broadway's Heartbreak House) as her mother Paola; Rupert (Legally Blonde, The Happy Time, Tony winner for Sweet Charity) as the poet Domenico; McGinnis (Broadway's Little Women, Ovation Award nominee for the Rubicon Theatre's Daddy Long Legs) as Veronica's dear friend Beatrice; John Antony (Broadway's Passion) as powerful senator Pietro; and Morgan Weed (Second Stage Theatre's Next to Normal) as Giulia, who is betrothed to Marco.
Newly announced are Michael Baker (York Theatre's Yank!) as Bishop Della Torre; Joe Mandragona as Tintoretto (national tour of All Shook Up); Nigel Columbus as Ramberti (national tour of Monty Python's Spamalot); Marcus Choi as Tron (Broadway's Wicked); Matthew Tyler as Grand Inquisitor (West End's The Phantom of the Opera); Irasole Cardona as Courtesan/Wife (Broadway's The Lion King); Melissa Harding as Courtesan/Wife (Covina Center for the Arts' Smokey Joe's Café); Jessica Lee Keller as Courtesan/Wife/Dance Captain (ABC's "Dancing With the Stars"); Katherine Malak as Courtesan/Wife (Off-Broadway's White Widow); Angela Wildflower Polk as Courtesan/Wife (Kirk Douglas Theatre's Venice); Angel Reda as Courtesan/Wife (Broadway's Chicago); Jessica Vosk as Courtesan/Wife (West End's Kristina).
According to Pasadena Playhouse, Dangerous Beauty, based on a true story, "tells the tumultuous tale of Veronica Franco, a celebrated courtesan/poet of 16th century Venice. Forced to become a courtesan when her family fortune is lost, preventing her from marrying the man she loves [played by Snyder], Veronica ultimately embraces the courtesan life because it affords her extraordinary education and access. It is not long before she is the most influential woman in the cultural and political life of her beloved city. As Veronica's star rises, however, Venice is ravaged by war, plague, and the Inquisition. When Veronica finds herself on trial for witchcraft, she realizes that only her personal integrity can save her."
The musical is adapted from the New Regency screenplay "The Honest Courtesan" written by Jeannine Dominy, released as the film "Dangerous Beauty." It's inspired by the scholarly book "The Honest Courtesan" by USC Professor Margaret Rosenthal. Director Kaller was Tony-nominated for her direction of the play Next Fall.
Dangerous Beauty will open Feb. 13, 2011, following previews from Feb. 1 at Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena, CA). The creative team includes Benoit-Swan Pouffer (choreography); Fred Lassen (music director); Bruce Coughlin (orchestrations); AnnMarie Milazzo (vocal design); Ben Butler (additional orchestrations); Tom Buderwitz (scenic design); Soyon An (costume design); Russell Champa (lighting design); Jon Weston (sound design); Brian Danner (fight director); and Joe Witt (production stage management).
For additional information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
