The Menier's Candide extends run
Casting news
THE Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of Candide has added eight performances to its original schedule, thereby extending its run to March 1, 2014.
Previously Posted: James Dreyfus (as Dr Pangloss) and Jackie Clune (Old Lady) have joined the cast of Candide, the Menier Chocolate Factory’s Christmas production, which runs from December 2, 2013 (previews from November 23) to February 22, 2014.
Although Dreyfus is best known for TV roles in The Thin Blue Line and Gimme Gimme Gimme, his extensive theatre work includes Cabaret, The Producers, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Common Pursuit and the National Theatre’s production of Lady In The Dark for which he won an Olivier Award.
Clune, who most recently played Violet in the national tour of the musical 9 to 5, has also appeared on stage in Mamma Mia! (international tour) and as Billy’s dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre). Her other credits include Taboo (The Venue), The Vagina Monologues (New Ambassadors Theatre) and Mogadishu (Lyric Hammersmith).
Candide is directed by Matthew White (Sweet Charity,Top Hat) and choreographed by Adam Cooper (Carousel, Grand Hotel).
Previously Posted: Casting has been announced for the Menier Chocolate Factory’s revival of Leonard Bernstein’s 1956 Broadway classic, Candide, which runs over the Christmas period from December 2, 2013 (previews from November 23) to February 22, 2014.
The line up includes Fra Fee in the title role, Scarlett Strallen (as Cunegonde), Cassidy Janson (Paquette), Ben Lewis (the Governor and Vanderdendur) and David Thaxton (Maximilian).
Joining them are Carly Anderson, Jeremy Batt, Christopher Jacobsen, Frankie Jenna, Rachel Spurrell, Helen Walsh and Matt Wilman, with further casting to be announced shortly.
From Westphalia to the far reaches of the New World, Candide’s journey of discovery is anything but dull. Through anguish, happiness, loss and love this is a whirlwind adventure that seeks to prove ‘life is happiness indeed’. Bernstein’s joyous musical romp features the classics Glitter and Be Gay and Make Our Garden Grow.
Fra Fee’s theatre credits include Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre), A Man of No Importance (Salisbury Playhouse) and Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre). He also appeared in the film version of Les Miserables playing Courfeyrac.
Scarlett Strallen’s theatre credits include Cassie in A Chorus Line (London Palladium), Kathy in Singin’ in the Rain (Palace Theatre) for which she received an Olivier Award nomination, Clara in Passion (Donmar Warehouse), the title role in Mary Poppins (West End and Broadway) and Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium).
Cassidy Janson’s theatre work includes Lend Me A Tenor – The Musical and Avenue Q (Gielgud Theatre) and Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre).
Ben Lewis’ theatre credits include Love Never Dies, A Little Night Music and Spamalot (Australia); while David Thaxton has appeared on stage in Passion (Donmar Warehouse), Love Never Dies (Adelphi Theatre) and Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre).
Read more about Candide.