Invitation-only readings of the new musical Trading Places, inspired by the 1983 Paramount Pictures film starring Eddie Murphy, are presented in Manhattan February 16-17.
Directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon with choreography by Fatima Robinson, and music supervision by Rick Edinger, the cast features Aneesa Folds as Billie Rae Valentine and Bryce Pinkham as Louis Winthorpe III with Marc Kudisch as Mortimer, Lenny Wolpe as Randolph Duke, Sara Chase as Penelope Van Verst, Jay Klaitz as Mr. Beeks, Michael Longoria as Phil Lopez, and Don Stephenson as Coleman.
The ensemble includes Jimmy Ray Bennett, Dana Costello, Kayla Marie Cruz, Benjamin Howes, Bre Jackson, Arica Jackson, Justin Gregory Lopez, James Luc, Orville Mendoza, Malaiyka Reid, Michael McCorry Rose, and Kevin Zak.
Trading Places has a book by Thomas Lennon and music and lyrics by First Date's Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner.
Based on the film penned by Timothy Harris and Herschel Weingrod, the musical reimagining of the prince and the pauper fable concerns savvy hustler Billie Rae Valentine and commodities-trading firm director Louis Winthorpe III, who have their lives deliberately switched by the Duke brothers to settle a petty bet.
The musical made its world premiere at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre in June 2022 with much of the same cast.
Marc Madnick produces.
