Walter Bobbie (Chicago, Sweet Charity) directs the new musical based on the Nick Hornby novel, which begins previews on Broadway Nov. 20 at the Imperial Theatre with an official opening slated for Dec. 7.
Will Chase and Jenn Colella star in the new romantic musical comedy that played a pre-Broadway tryout at Boston's Colonial Theatre Sept. 26-Oct. 22.
In the Twyla Tharp-Bob Dylan musical The Times They Are A-Changin', Manuel took over the role of Cleo, which was originated in the world premiere at San Diego's Old Globe by Colella. Prior to that show's Broadway opening, Lisa Brescia took over the role. Manuel — who will play one of the former loves of lead Will Chase's Rob — has also appeared on Broadway in Rent and Brooklyn as well as Off-Broadway's Once Around the Sun.
High Fidelity follows the story of record store owner Rob (and constant Top 5 listmaker) who — when things in his current relationship go sour — revisits his former relationships to find out where he went wrong.
Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Kimberly Akimbo, Fuddy Meers) penned the book with music by composer Tom Kitt (Laugh Whore, Debbie Does Dallas) and lyrics by Amanda Green (For the Love of Tiffany, Up The Creek Without A Paddle). Colella plays the recently estranged girlfriend Laura to Chase's Rob. The cast also includes Christian Anderson (Avenue Q, Rent) and Jay Klaitz (The Notebook at Manhattan Theatre Source) as music buffs/record store employees Dick and Barry, respectively. Rachel Stern (Tarzan) portrays gal pal Liz while Emily Swallow (Measure For Pleasure, Orange Lemon Egg Canary), Kirsten Wyatt (Urinetown) and Anne Warren (Hairspray) play women from Rob's many failed romances. Jeb Brown (Ring of Fire, Aida) appears as neighbor Ian.
Jon Patrick Walker (White Liars and Black Comedy) is also featured in the ensemble with Justin Brill (All Shook Up), Andrew C. Call (Altar Boyz), Matt Caplan (Rent), Paul Castree, George Merrick, Tom Plotkin and J.B. Wing.
Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman produce the new work along with Live Nation, Roy Miller, Dan Markley, Ruth Hendel/Dazansky Partners and Jam Theatricals.
Christopher Gattelli (Altar Boyz) choreographs the musical. The design team for High Fidelity features Anna Louizos (set), Theresa Squire (costumes), Ken Billington (lighting) and Acme Sound Partners (sound).
The 2000 film reset the Hornby story in Chicago (rather than England) and starred John Cusack, Jack Black, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lisa Bonet, Tim Robbins and Lili Taylor. The Broadway musical is set in New York's Brooklyn.
High Fidelity will play at the Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street (between Broadway and Eighth Ave.). Tickets can currently be purchased by calling (212) 239 6200 or online at through topfivebreakups.com.
