John Cullum to Star in Wilder at Playwrights Horizons

Broadway veteran John Cullum, who won Tony Awards for his performances in Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century and who’s been playing Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown for the past two years, has been tapped for the title role in the upcoming world premiere production of the musical Wilder at Playwrights Horizons.

With book and lyrics by Erin Cressida Wilson, and music and lyrics by Mike Craver and Jack Herrick, Wilder is described as an “erotic chamber musical” in which a man looks back on his life, having hit puberty while living in a Depression-era bordello. The show will be directed by Lisa Portes; further casting and staffing have not yet been set.

Cullum appeared in the original productions of such shows as On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Camelot, Man of La Mancha, and 1776. He recreated his role of Edward Rutledge in the film version of that last-named musical, and television audiences know him from his work on Northern Exposure and ER.

Wilder is scheduled to begin previews at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater in the new Playwrights Horizons building (416 West 42nd Street) on October 16. An opening date will be announced soon. For subscription and ticket information, call Ticket Central at 212-279-4200 or visit wwww.playwrightshorizons.com.