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In Rehearsal With Caissie Levy, Mary Testa, and the Cast of First Daughter Suite

Michael John LaChiusa’s new musical plays the Public Theater.

The company in rehearsal for First Daughter Suite at the Public Theater.
The company in rehearsal for First Daughter Suite at the Public Theater.
(© Jenny Anderson)

Rehearsals are in full swing for First Daughter Suite, a world-premiere musical by Michael John LaChiusa at the Public Theater. Directed by Kirsten Sanderson, performances are set to begin October 6 in advance of an October 21 opening and will run through November 15.

Rachel Bay Jones and Caissie Levy share a laugh in rehearsal.
Rachel Bay Jones and Caissie Levy share a laugh in rehearsal.
(© Jenny Anderson)

A follow-up to his 1993 Public musical First Lady Suite, First Daughter Suite is a historical fantasia in four parts. The musical follows Patricia Nixon and daughters Tricia and Julie, Rosalynn and Amy Carter, Betty and Susan Ford, Patti Davis and mom Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush and daughter-in-law Laura as they strive to live meaningful lives in the public eye, while dealing with the complex private relationships all of us face with our parents and children.

Mary Testa rehearses at the piano with music director Or Matias.
Mary Testa rehearses at the piano with music director Or Matias.
(© Jenny Anderson)

The cast features two-time Tony nominee Alison Fraser (Gypsy) as Nancy Reagan/Betty Ford, Rachel Bay Jones (Dear Evan Hansen) as Laura Bush/Rosalynn Carter, Caissie Levy (Les Misérables) as Patti Davis/Julie Nixon, Theresa McCarthy (Titanic) as Robin Bush/Hannah Nixon, Betsy Morgan (The King and I) as Trisha Nixon/Susan Ford, Isabel Santiago (Giant) as Anita Castelo, Carly Tamer (Billy Elliot) as Amy Carter, two-time Tony nominee Mary Testa (Wicked) as Barbara Bush, and Tony nominee Barbara Walsh (Company) as Pat Nixon.

Carly Tamer, Rachel Bay Jones, and Caissie Levy get ready to take the stage in Michael John LaChiusa's latest musical.
Carly Tamer, Rachel Bay Jones, and Caissie Levy get ready to take the stage in Michael John LaChiusa's latest musical.
(© Jenny Anderson)

The creative team includes scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Tyler Micoleau, and sound design by Ken Travis.

Alison Fraser and Caissie Levy rehearse a moment from First Daughter Suite.
Alison Fraser and Caissie Levy rehearse a moment from First Daughter Suite.
(© Jenny Anderson)

For tickets and more information, click here.

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