La Jolla Playhouse has announced the cast and creative team for Lempicka, the theatre's season opener, beginning previews June 14, and officially opening June 25 with a run through July 24. Tony winner Rachel Chavkin will direct the musical, which features a book, lyrics and original concept by Carson Kreitzer, book and music by Matt Gould, and choreography by Raja Feather Kelly.
Starring in the cast will be Eden Espinosa as Tamara de Lempicka, and, through July 10, Amber Iman as Rafaela. Ensemble member Ximone Rose will take on the role of Rafaela July 12–24. They are joined by George Abud as Marinetti, Victor E. Chan as Baron, Natalie Joy Johnson as Suzy Solidor, Jacquelyn Ritz as Baroness, Andrew Samonsky as Tadeusz Lempicki and Jordan Tyson as Kizette
The ensemble includes Leanne Antonio, Lauren Blackman, Leovina Charles, Milena J. Comeau, Michael Louis Cusimano, Alexa Jane Lowis, David Merino, Luke P. Monday, Devin L. Roberts, Morgan Nicholas Scott, Joey Taranto, and Mariand Torres.
The pop-infused musical tells the story of young aristocrat-turned-artist Tamara de Lempicka who flees with her husband amid the political turmoil and violence of the Russian Revolution to Paris, where Tamara claws her way to success in exile and meets her new muse, Rafaela.
The creative team includes scenic designer Riccardo Hernandez, costume designer Anita Yavich, lighting designer Bradley King, sound designer Justin Stasiw, projection designer Peter Nigrini, music supervisor Remy Kurs, orchestrator Cian McCarthy, and script consultant Peter Duchan. Casting is by Telsey + Company's Craig Burns and Jacole Kitchen. Cody Renard Richard will serve as stage manager.
“After a long pandemic pause, it is an honor to mount this stunning new musical at the Playhouse. Lempicka tells the story of a woman who defiantly sets her own course amid the political turmoil and cultural repression of 1920s Europe, and I cannot wait to see this stellar company share her fascinating journey on our stage,” says La Jolla Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley in a statement.
Lempicka originally made its world premiere at Williamstown in 2018. The work's transfer to La Jolla was originally announced in 2019, with a spring 2020 run set. Due to the pandemic and following La Jolla's return last summer, the run was postponed to fall 2022.
For tickets and more information, visit LaJollaPlayhouse.org.
