Casting has been revealed for Paper Mill Playhouse's upcoming world premiere of Take the Lead, a new musical based on the 2006 dance film by Dianne Houston. Christopher Gattelli is directing and choreographing the new show, which will begin performances March 29 ahead of an April 6 opening night at the New Jersey company. Performances will continue through April 27.
Cheetah Girls star Adrienne Bailon-Houghton will lead the company as Arianna, opposite Vincent Jamal Hooper as Rock, Savy Jackson as La Rhette, Tam Mutu as Pierre Dulaine, and Matthew Risch as Alan.
The cast will also include Eric Ascione, Megan Elyse Fulmer, Gaelen Gilliland, David Jennings, Dillon Lehman, Natalia Nieves, Justin O’Brien, Kevin Trinio Perdido, Ryan Raffloer, Deon Releford-Lee, Cristian Rodriguez, Kiki Rodriguez, Jonalyn Saxer, Tatiana Seliverstova, SeQuoiia, Grace Slear, Salome Smith, Stephani Sosa, Christian Whan, and Zoë Zimmerman. Casting is by The Telsey Office.
Inspired by the true story of Pierre Dulaine, the work tracks the former pro dancer who brings ballroom dancing into New York City public schools. The film, which starred Antonio Banderas, has been adapted by book writers Robert Cary and Jonathan Tollins, with songs by Elliah Heifetz and Zeniba Now. Jennifer Weber (& Juliet) and Maria Torres (So You Think You Can Dance) will co-choreograph.
Musically, the production will feature music supervision by Bill Sherman, music direction by Geoffrey Ko, and orchestrations and arrangements by Bill Sherman and Ko. The creative team also includes scenic designer Paul Tate DePoo III, costume designer Jen Caprio, lighting designers Justin Townsend and Nick Solyom, sound designer Walter Trarbach, and hair, wig, and makeup designer Earon Chew Nealey. Molly Meg Legal will serve as production stage manager.
Tickets are at PaperMill.org.