Production PhotosSee New Production Photos of Penelope, or How The Odyssey Was Really Written at Off-Broadway's York Theatre
The new musical re-imagines the classical Greek epic The Odyssey.
By
Michael Wiltbank
April 04, 2022
York Theatre Company's world-premiere production of Penelope, or How The Odyssey Was Really Written at The Theater at St. Jean's began April 2. Opening night will be April 7, with performances continuing through April 24.
Starring in the show are Philippe Arroyo (Aladdin) as Telemachus, Leah Hocking (Billy Elliot) as Eurycleia, Cooper Howell (Emojiland) as Antinous, Ben Jacoby (Beautiful) as Odysseus, David LaMarr (Jersey Boys) as Mileter, Jacob Alexander Simon (A Chorus Line) as Bassanio, Britney Nicole Simpson (Beauty and the Beast) as Penelope, George Slotin (High Button Shoes) as Haius, Sean Thompson (Sunset Boulevard) as Barius, and Maria Wirries (Dear Evan Hansen) as Daphne. The company is rounded out with swings Bebe Browning and Constatine Pappas.
See photos from the production below:
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See Production Photos of Penelope, or How The Odyssey Was Really Written
The musical features a book and lyrics by Tony nominee Peter Kellogg (Anna Karenina) and music by Stephen Weiner (The Rivals). The work reimagines The Odyssey by focusing on Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, through letters she writes to herself under the guise of the letters being from her husband as he fights in the Trojan War.
Emily Maltby directs and choreographs the production, leading a creative team that includes scenic designer James Morgan, costume designer Lex Liang, lighting designer Joan Racho-Jansen, and sound designer Brad Ward. Chris Steckel is production stage manager. David Hancock Turner (Cheek to Cheek, Desperate Measures) is music director and has provided orchestrations. The musical also features vocal arrangements by Turner, Steve Delehanty, and Weiner. Casting is by Michael Cassara.
The biomusical explores the life and work of multihyphenate artist Grant, the first Black woman to write the book, music, and lyrics for a Broadway musical.
The evening is part of a week of performances, social practice demonstrations, classes, and discussions curated by NBT in partnership with The Kennedy Center.