Theater News

Jarrod Emick, Kendra Kassebaum, Kecia Lewis-Evans, et al. to Join Raul Esparza, Brooke Shields in Leap of Faith at Ahmanson Theatre

Raul Esparza
(© Tristan Fuge)
Raul Esparza
(© Tristan Fuge)

Full casting has been announced for the new musical Leap of Faith, to run September 11-October 24 at the Ahmanson Theatre. As previously reported, Rob Ashford will direct and choreograph the production.

According to the theater’s website, previously announced stars Raul Esparza, Brooke Shields, and Kendra Kassebaum will be joined by Nicholas Barasch, Jarrod Emick, Kecia Lewis-Evans, and Leslie Odom, Jr.

The ensemble will comprise Brad Anderson, Bradley Benjamin, Tom Berklund, Christopher Bones, Krystal Joy Brown, Ta’Rea Campbell, Eric L. Christian, Michelle Duffy, Harvey Evans, Ashley Blair Fitzgerald, Jennie Ford, Bob Gaynor, Angela Grovey, Shannon Lewis, Michael X. Martin, Maurice Murphy, Anise E. Ritchie, Darcie Roberts, Bryce Ryness, Ariel Shepley, C.E. Smith, Alex Michael Stoll, Dennis Stowe, Katherine Tokarz, Brandon Wardell, Karl Warden, Natalie Willes, and Charlie Williams.

Based on the movie of the same name, the show features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book written by Janus Cercone with Slater. Esparza will portray Jonas Nightengale, a part-time reverend and full-time con-artist, while Shields will play Marva, the beautiful small-town woman and single mother who challenges everything Jonas believes in.

Esparaza received Tony Award nominations for his performances in Speed-the-Plow, The Homecoming, Company, and Taboo. Shields, perhaps best known for her work on such television series as Suddenly Susan and Lipstick Jungle, has been seen on Broadway in Wonderful Town, Grease, Cabaret, and Chicago.

For further information, visit: www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.