Cast set for Life After at the Goodman Theatre
Goodman Theatre announced casting for Life After-the award-winning "luminous new musical...lush, poetic and surprisingly funny" (The San Diego Union-Tribune) by rising star writer/lyricist/composer Britta Johnson, directed by Annie Tippe. Leading the cast of nine is Samantha Williams (Broadway's Caroline, Or Change and Dear Evan Hansen) as teenaged Alice-a young woman who, in search of facts, uncovers a more complicated truth as she pieces together events of the fateful night that changed her family forever. The Chicago-premiere production also features Paul Alexander Nolan (Frank), Lucy Panush (Hannah), Bryonha Marie Parham (Beth), Jen Sese (Mrs. Hopkins), Skyler Volpe (Kate), Chelsea Williams (Fury), Lauryn Hobbs (Fury) and Ashley Perez Flanagan (Fury). The production features Choreography by Ann Yee and Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations by Lynne Shankel. Life After appears June 11- July 17.
"It's rare and special to encounter a new musical with the depth, beauty and heart as Life After-complete with such an elegant original score. Britta Johnson is one of the most exciting new talents to emerge on the international theater scene, and it's a joy to produce her extraordinary new work-and to welcome back director Annie Tippe and this wonderful company," said Robert Falls. "Over the past 35 years as Goodman Theatre Artistic Director, some of our most memorable productions have been new works of musical theater. I can't wait for Chicago audiences to experience Britta's thrilling new musical this summer."
Its Chicago premiere at Goodman Theatre continues the ascent of Life After, marking the third major production in five years. The play made its American debut at San Diego's The Old Globe (2019) on the heels of an extended, multiple Dora Award-winning world-premiere with Toronto's Musical Stage Company and Canadian Stage (2017).
Toronto-based playwright/composer/lyricist Britta Johnson said, "I could not be more excited to be working at this legendary theater with this astounding creative time and incredible cast; it feels like a dream come true. This is my first major project after such a challenging few years, and I'm so moved to get to do it with such a talented, compassionate and inspiring group of artists. I can't wait to discover what we can create together."
"The minute I heard Britta's exquisite score for Life After, I knew I'd be lucky to have the privilege of working with her. And we are about to work with an absolute dream cast-overflowing with talent, empathy and curiosity about the people they're portraying," said Lucille Lortel Award-winning director Annie Tippe. "In these uncertain times, I can't imagine audiences won't relate to Britta's deeply human work, and relish the opportunity to collectively breathe into our challenges."