The Cradle will Rock will begin performances Nov. 23, prior to an official opening Nov. 26, for a run through Dec. 18. It will be directed by the Arcola's founder and artistic director, Mehmet Ergen.
According to press materials, The Cradle Will Rock "tells the story of Larry Foreman and his attempts to unionise and battle the villainous businessman Mr Mister. This play with music, set in Steeltown USA, was originally directed and conceived by Orson Welles and produced by John Houseman. It has gone down in theatrical history as the musical that defied an attempted ban by USA Federal Authorities with what may have been the most rousing opening night ever."
The production will feature Aaron Shirley (West End revival and UK tour of Whistle Down the Wind) as Mr. Mister and Chris Jenkins (Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Opera House) as Larry Foreman as well as Josie Benson (Phantom of the Opera), Alicia Davies (La Cage aux Folles) Adam Linstead (Miss Saigon, Les Miserables), Nathan Osgood (Vernon God Little), Morgan Deare, Adey Grummet, Nichola Lagan, Rachael Louise Miller, Russell Morton, Stuart Matthew Price, Robin Samson and Hemi Yeroham.
The production will be designed by Lisa Engel and Hannah Penfold. The musical director is Bob Broad, and the lighting designer is Alex Wardle.
The Arcola Theatre, currently located at 27 Arcola Street, London E8, will move to nearby Ashwin Street in January 2011. To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7503 1646, or visit www.arcolatheatre.com.
