Full casting has been revealed for the upcoming world premiere stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film The Artist, set to begin performances at Theatre Royal Plymouth in the U.K. May 11. Performances will run through May 25, with Drew McOnie (King Kong) directing and choreographing.
As previously announced, Robbie Fairchild is leading the cast as silent movie icon George Valentin, the role played by Jean Dujardin on screen, alongside Gary Wilmot as Al Zimmer and Briana Craig as Peppy Miller.
Newly announced for the cast are Alexander Bean as Clifton, Tiffany Graves as Gertie Gams, Ebony Molina as Doris Valentin, Rachel Muldoon as Constance, and Thomas Walton as Uggie. The ensemble will include Will Bozier, Matthew Caputo, Lily Laight, Deja Linton, Tyler Lotzof, Louis Mackrodt, Mark Samaras, and Daisy West.
Rounding out the company will be swings Nicole Alphonce, Tim Hodges, Lukas Hunt, and Shayna McPherson. Casting is by Will Burton.
"It is such a privilege to work alongside this exceptional group of world class artists," says McOnie in a statement. "Being part of an original cast on any project requires a heart full of hope, unbelievable stamina, patience, good humor, and otherworldly talent, and this company have that in abundance. I’m very excited and even more grateful."
Based on the 2011 film written by Michel Hazanavicius, the stage work is co-adapted by Lindsey Ferrentino (Amy and the Orphans) and Olivier winner McOnie (King Kong), who will direct and choreograph. The production will also feature set and costume design by Christopher Oram, music by Simon Hale, lighting design by Zoe Spurr, sound design by Simon Baker, video design by Ash J Woodward, and puppetry design by Maia Kirkman-Richards. Chris Poon is music director.
The film, which won five 2012 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, is set in 1920s Hollywood and follows silent movie icon George Valentin and aspiring actor Peppy Miller. While her star is about to rise, his might just be about to flicker into insignificance with the arrival of the Talkies.
McOnie Company is producing, along with Theatre Royal Plymouth, Playful Productions, Bill Damaschke, and Underbelly, in association with Stephen and Nancy Gabriel.
Visit TheArtistOnStage.com.
