Dolenz, Edwards, Lewis, Ward, et al. to Appear in Goodspeed’s Pippin

Mickey Dolenz, James Royce Edwards, Shannon Lewis, and Andre Ward have joined the previously announced Joshua Park in the cast of the Goodspeed Opera House’s upcoming production of Pippin, July 14-September 24. The show, which will be directed by Gabriel Barre and will feature choreography by Mark Dendy, is set to open officially on August 9. A national tour is planned immediately following the Goodspeed engagement.

Pippin has a score by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. The musical tells the story of the son of King Charlemagne and his quest to find meaning in his life; it includes such songs as “Corner of the Sky,” “No Time at All,” and “Magic to Do.” The original Broadway produution of Pippin won six Tony Awards.

Also in the Goodspeed cast are Jason Blaine (Theo), Barbara Marineau (Berthe), and Teal Wicks (Catherine). The ensemble consists of Sara Antkowiak-Maier, Stephen Brotebeck, Molly Tynes Corkern, Jason Dougherty, Dell Howlett, Ryan Kelly, Karl Maier, Lauren Marshall, Candy Olsen, Vincent Rodriguez III, Dana Winkle, Ashley Arcement, and Brandon Tyler Fields. The show’s creative team includes Beowulf Boritt (sets), Liz Prince (costumes), Kevin Adams (lighting), Michael O’Flaherty (music direction), Mark Hartman (conductor), Michael Crotier and David Chiapeta (orchestrations).

Dolenz, who will play Charlemagne, starred on Broadway in Aida and is best known for being a founding member of The Monkees. Edwards, who will play Lewis, has appeared in Hairspray, Mamma Mia!, and Altar Boyz. Lewis, who wlll play Fastrada, starred on Broadway in Fosse and Contact, and recently played Lola in the North Shore Music Theater production of Damn Yankees. Ward, who will be the Leading Player, was seen on Broadway in Saturday Night Fever.

Park, who will play Pippin, won a Theatre World Award for his performance in the title role in the 2001 Broadway musical The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. He was seen Off-Broadway in Prodigal and A Celtic Christmas; his film credits include The Bog Creatures and Blood Relic.