Photo Flash

Annette O'Toole and Jeff McCarthy Open in Public Theater's Southern Comfort

The new musical is written by Dan Collins and Julianne Wick Davis.

Allison Stock

Berkshires Off-Broadway

March 9, 2016

Jeff McCarthy and Annette O'Toole lead the cast of Southern Comfort at the Public Theater. — Jeff McCarthy and Annette O'Toole lead the cast of *Southern Comfort* at the Public Theater.
(© Allison Stock)

The Public Theater celebrated its production of Dan Collins and Julianne Wick Davis' musical Southern Comfort on March 8. The new musical is scheduled to have its press opening on March 13.

Julianne Wick Davis, Thomas Caruso, Robert DuSold, and Dan Collins are the proud creators of Southern Comfort. — Julianne Wick Davis, Thomas Caruso, Robert DuSold, and Dan Collins are the proud creators of *Southern Comfort*.
(© Allison Stock)

Winner of the Jonathan Larson Award, this folk- and bluegrass-flavored musical is inspired by Kate Davis' 2001 documentary, which follows the final year in the life of Robert Eads, a trans man dying of ovarian cancer after being refused treatment by a dozen doctors. Thomas Caruso serves as director, after conceiving the show for the stage with Robert DuSold.

Jeffrey Kuhn and Donnie Cianciotto share the stage in this new musical.
(© Allison Stock)

Annette O'Toole and Jeff McCarthy, who originated the roles of Robert Eads and Lola Cola in the 2011 CAP21 and 2013 Barrington Stage Company productions of Southern Comfort, reprise their roles at the Public.

David M. Lutken, Joel Waggoner, Elizabeth Ward Land, and Lizzie Hagstedt appear in Southern Comfort. — David M. Lutken, Joel Waggoner, Elizabeth Ward Land, and Lizzie Hagstedt appear in *Southern Comfort*.
(© Allison Stock)

They are joined by Donnie Cianciotto, Aneesh Sheth, Lizzie Hagstedt (Storyteller Musician, Bass), Jeffrey Kuhn (Jackson), Elizabeth Ward Land (Storyteller Musician, Djembe), David M. Lutken (Storyteller Musician, Guitar), Morgan Morse (Musician), Robin Skye (Melanie), and Joel Waggoner (Storyteller Musician, Violin).

Aneesh Sheth joins the Southern Comfort choreography team, Ryan Kasprzak and Kelly Bolick, at the afterparty. — Cast member Aneesh Sheth joins choreography team Ryan Kasprzak and Kelly Bolick for a photo.
(© Allison Stock)

Southern Comfort features scenic design by James J. Fenton, costume design by Patricia E. Doherty, lighting design by Ed McCarthy, sound design by Andrew Keister, and choreography by Ryan Kasprzak.