Graae will assume the role of the dying bookkeeper, which was created on Broadway — to Tony-winning effect — by the late Michael Jeter. The cast at the Colony Theatre will also include Cynthia Beckert, Cate Caplin, Chris Dupre, Gary Franco, Mike Irizarry, Samuel B. Kivi, Larry Lederman, Natalia Lind, Beth Malone, Dore Marott, Michael McCarty, Alex Miller, Dink O’Neal, Michael Parillo, Dana Reynolds, Rachel Strutt, Robert J.Townsend, Virginia Weber and Bob Wood.
Directed by Peter Schneider, Grand Hotel will begin previews Oct. 13 with an official opening Oct. 16 and will run through Nov. 14.
Based on Vicki Baum's "Grand Hotel," the musical of the same name features a score by Robert Wright and George Forrest and a book by Luther Davis. Tony Award winner Maury Yeston contributed additional songs to the score. The creative team for the Colony Theatre Company's production comprises David Potts (set design), Garry D. Lennon (costume design), Drew Dalzell (sound design) and Don Guy (lighting design).
Jason Graae starred on Broadway in A Grand Night for Singing, Falsettos, Stardust and Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, and appeared in the Hollywood Bowl concert version of The Music Man as Marcellus Washburn. His Off-Broadway credits include roles in Forever Plaid; Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh; Olympus On My Mind; and All in the Timing. Graae also starred in the Reprise! concerts of Of Thee I Sing!, Anything Goes and The Boys from Syracuse.
Grand Hotel began previews at Broadway's Martin Beck Theatre Oct. 16, 1989, later transferring to the Gershwin Theatre. The musical played a total of 31 previews and 1,017 regular performances. Directed and choreographed by Tommy Tune, the original cast featured David Carroll, Karen Akers, Jane Krakowski, Michael Jeter and Liliane Montevecchi. The Colony Theatre is located at 555 North Third Street in Burbank, CA. Tickets for previews are priced at $20; after previews, tickets range from $30 to $40. Call (818) 558-7000 for reservations; visit www.colonytheatre.org for more information.
