Golden, who plays Norma Romano in the acclaimed series "Orange is the New Black," returns to the role of Shirley — having previously appeared in Disaster! during its run at The Triad in 2012 — through Feb. 7, replacing Mary Testa. On Feb. 10 comedian, writer and actress Judy Gold will take over the role of Shirley.
Directed by Plotnick with choreography by Denis Jones and music direction by Larry Pressgrove, the new musical is based on 1970’s disaster movies with a score consisting of 1970’s pop, rock and disco hit songs.
The cast also features Haven Burton as Marianne, Paul Castree as Tony, Charity Dawson as Lavora Verona, Matt Farcher as Chad, Tom Riis Farrell as Maury, Seth Rudetsky as Professor Ted Scheider, Robb Sapp as Scott, Jennifer Simard as Sister Mary Downy and Jonah Verdon as Ben and Lisa. Playing multiples roles in the ensemble are Sherz Aletaha, Saum Eskandani and Maggie McDowell. Kristy Cavanaugh, Drew Geraci and Ashanti J’Aria are the company swings.
"The year is 1979," according to press notes. "All the hottest New York City A-Listers are putting on their platform shoes and polyester disco shirts and heading to the grand opening of Manhattan's first floating casino and discotheque. Little do they know that the pier built to house the huge boat was drilled into the center of a dangerous and unstable fault-line.… Earthquake, tidal wave, infernos, killer bees, rats, sharks and piranhas all threaten the guests. Who will survive? The greedy tycoon? The aging showgirl and her 11-year-old twins? The washed-up disco star? The disaster expert still mourning the loss of his wife? The nun with the gambling addiction? The older couple with a terrible secret? And will the bra-burning feminist find love with the man who's lost his dreams?"
The score features "Hot Stuff," "I Am Woman," "Knock On Wood," "Daybreak," "Signed, Sealed Delivered" and more. The creative team also includes associate director/choreographer Drew Geraci, costume designer Brian Hemesath, set and lighting designer Josh Iacovelli, sound designer Brett Rothstein, stage manager Jeff Lavotl, assistant stage manager Tom Kosis and musical supervisor Steve Marzullo.
Show times are Monday and Tuesday at 7:30 PM, Thursday at 7 PM and Friday at 8 PM.
St. Luke’s Theatre is located at 308 W. 46th Street. Tickets, priced $49.50-$79.50 (previews - $39.50-$69.50), are available by visiting DisasterMusical.com.
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