Chicago Cast of Winnie the Pooh Musical Announced
Rockefeller Productions announced the cast for the limited 13-week Chicago run of of Disney's Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation presented at the Mercury Theater Chicago (3745 N. Southport Ave.) from March 15 through June 12, 2022.
The cast features members of the acclaimed Off-Broadway theatrical show, including Jake Bazel as Pooh; Chris Palmieri as Tigger; Emmanuel Elpenord as Eeyore, Rabbit and Owl; and Chicagoans Emilie Rose Danno, Carolyn Plurad, and Tina-Kim Nguyen rotate in the roles of Piglet, Roo and Kanga.
"As we embark on a national tour for Disney's Winnie the Pooh, with Chicago as our next stop for the Hundred Acre Wood, we are proud to have a group of local actors joining our cast to play the distinct roles of Kanga, Piglet and Roo. Emilie, Tina and Carolyn are dynamic performers who perfectly embody the beloved characters, based on the classic book and animated film. They will superbly complement the returning cast members as we bring this production to the Mercury Theatre Chicago," said Jonathan Rockefeller, creator of Disney's Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Adaptation.
The creative team for the show includes creative director Jonathan Rockefeller, co-scenic designers Jack Golden and Josh Warner, costume designer Lindsay McWilliams, lighting designer Jamie Roderick and original music and orchestrations were composed by Nate Edmonson. Puppets were created by Rockefeller Productions under lead puppet builders Matthew Lish and Ben Durocher. The production also features songs from the Disney featurette by the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning American songwriting duo of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.
Disney's Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation opens in Chicago on March 15 following its record-breaking New York run. Performances are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with ticket prices starting at $39.