It’s a double whammy from Regent’s Park Theatre as the venue reveals casting for its Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber double bill – Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar – playing at the Open Air Theatre and the Barbican Centre. There’s plenty of #StageFaves lining up for the principal roles so waste no time in reading on…
Evita
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (2 August to 21 September 2019, press night is 8 August)
Chicago-based Samantha Pauly makes her UK debut in the role of Eva Peron, direct from her performance in SIX (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) and as Valkyrie in Bat Out Of Hell (US Tour). She appears alongside Ektor Rivera, also making his UK debut, having recently played Emilio Estefan in On Your Feet! on Broadway and US Tour.
An original Broadway cast member of Disney’s Aladdin, Trent Saunders returns to the UK in the role of Che following his appearance as St. Jimmy in Green Day’s American Idiot (Hammersmith Apollo). Nominated for an Olivier Award for her role as Kylah in Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Frances Mayli McCann plays the role of The Mistress.
Director Jamie Lloyd said:
“After an international search, I am incredibly excited about the amazing talent we have discovered, and the variety of voices we have assembled, to share this story today. Samantha Pauly will lead a thrillingly diverse and powerful company.”
Jesus Christ Superstar
Barbican Theatre (4 July to 24 August 2019, press night is 9 July)
The new cast of Jesus Christ Superstar includes: Robert Tripolino and Ricardo Afonso in the iconic roles of Jesus and Judas, with Sallay Garnett as Mary. Matt Cardle plays the role of Pilate, with Cavin Cornwall and Nathan Amzi as Caiaphas and Annas.
Jesus Christ Superstar won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical. The production previously played two sell-out seasons at the Open Air Theatre before transferring to the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2018. It will embark on a North American tour from October. The production is directed by Timothy Sheader.
