The world premiere of Joy The Musical began its run at New Jersey's George Street Playhouse December 10 and continues through December 30 with opening night set for December 16. The new musical, with a book by producer Ken Davenport, stars Mean Girls' Erika Henningsen in the title role of self-made millionaire inventor Joy Mangano.
Based on Mangano's memoir Inventing Joy: Dare to Build a Brave and Creative Life, the musical is directed by Casey Hushion and has music and lyrics by AnnMarie Milazzo and choreography by Joshua Bergasse.
See photos of the production below.
Erika Henningsen in Joy
Pomme Koch, John Hickok, Erika Henningsen, Brian Shepard, Justin Gregory Lopez, Anthony Wayne, and Ryan Duncan in Joy
Vicki Lewis in Joy
Trent Saunders and Erika Henningsen in Joy
Stephen DeRosa, Hazel Anne Raymundo, Erika Henningsen, Bronwyn Tarboton, and Sami Bray in Joy
Stephen DeRosa, Hazel Anne Raymundo, Erika Henningsen, Bronwyn Tarboton, and Sami Bray in Joy
Erika Henningsen and Sami Bray in Joy
Erika Henningsen and Stephen DeRosa in Joy
Pomme Koch, John Hickok, Erika Henningsen, Brian Shepard, Ryan Duncan, Badia Farha, and Justin Gregory Lopez in Joy
Also starring are Vicki Lewis (NewsRadio) as Toots, Stephen DeRosa (Mr. Saturday Night) as Rudy, and Trent Saunders (Hadestown) as Tony.
The ensemble includes Sami Bray, Badia Farha, Pomme Koch, Gaelen Gilliand, Hazel Anne Raymundo, Olivia Jones, John Hickok, Ashleigh Marie Arnold, Brian Shepard, Dana Costello, Kristen Faith Oei, Alanna Saunders, Ryan Duncan, Anthony Wayne, and Justin Gregory Lopez, with swings Bronwyn Tarboton and Michal Kolaczkowski rounding out the company.
Joy features scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Tina McCartney, lighting design by Jen Schriever, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier, and hair and wig design by Liz Printz. Orchestrations are by John Clancy, with Andy Einhorn serving as music supervisor and providing arrangements. Rick Edinger is music director, and Melissa Chacón is production stage manager.
The world premiere is produced in association with Davenport and Sandi Moran.
