Desperate Measures—the musical comedy previously seen at The York Theatre Company—officially opens June 13 following previews that began May 30 Off-Broadway at New World Stages.
In the new musical, inspired by Shakespeare's Measure for Measure and set in the early 1890s, Johnny must put his fate into the hands of a colorful cast of characters, including a wily sheriff, an eccentric priest, an authoritarian governor, a saloon girl gone good, and a nun out of the habit, as they all struggle to decide Johnny's fate.
Read: DESPERATE MEASURES WILL RETURN OFF-BROADWAY
Reprising their performances from the earlier run are Lauren Molina (Rock of Ages) as Bella Rose, Conor Ryan (Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert) as Johnny Blood, Gary Marachek (Eleanor) as Father Morse, Peter Saide (Skin Tight) as Sheriff Green, and Nick Wyman (Les Misérables) as Governor von Richterhenkenpflichtgetruber.
New to the company is Sarah Parnicky (Show Boat at Houston Grand Opera) as Susanna/Sister Mary Jo. Also in the cast: Anthony Festa (Bare at New World Stages), Celia Hottenstein (The Phantom of the Opera 25th anniversary national tour), and Tom Souhrada (Kinky Boots).
The production is directed by Bill Castellino.
LOOKING TO CAST OR BE CAST IN A SHOW YOURSELF? TRY PLAYBILL JOBS NOW
The musical has music by David Friedman and a book and lyrics by Peter Kellogg. Producers are Pat Flicker Addiss and Mary Cosette.
The production also features scenic design by James Morgan, costume design by Nicole Wee, lighting design by Paul Miller, and sound design by Julian Evans. David Hancock Turner serves as musical director. Casting is by Carol Hanzel, and the production stage manager is CJ LaRoche.
Desperate Measures is the recipient of Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Music (David Friedman) and Outstanding Lyrics (Peter Kellogg), the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Off-Broadway Musical, and the Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best Musical.