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Tony Yazbeck, Irina Dvorovenko of The Beast in the Jungle Meet the Press

Susan Stroman directs this world premiere from John Kander and David Thompson at the Vineyard Theatre.

Jason Zednick
Off-Broadway
Tony Yazbeck, Irina Dvorovenko, Peter Friedman, and Teagle F Bougere lead the cast of The Beast in the Jungle, directed by Susan Stroman, at the Vineyard Theatre.
Tony Yazbeck, Irina Dvorovenko, Peter Friedman, and Teagle F. Bougere lead the cast of The Beast in the Jungle, directed by Susan Stroman, at the Vineyard Theatre.
(© David Gordon)

The company of the Vineyard Theatre's upcoming world premiere of The Beast in the Jungle, an original work fusing dance, drama, and music by John Kander (Chicago), Tony-nominated playwright David Thompson (Steel Pier), and five-time Tony-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman (The Producers), met the press on Tuesday, April 3. Performances begin May 4 ahead of a May 23 opening night.

Irina Dvorovenko and Tony Yazbeck star in The Beast in the Jungle.
Irina Dvorovenko and Tony Yazbeck star in The Beast in the Jungle.
(© David Gordon)

The show's company will be led by Irina Dvorovenko (The Americans), a former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer; Tony nominees Tony Yazbeck (On the Town) and Peter Friedman (Ragtime); and Teagle F. Bougere (The Crucible).

The Beast in the Jungle features Leah Hofmann,Naomi Kakuk, Elizabeth Dugas, Brittany Marcin Maschmeyer, Maira Barriga, and Erin Moore.
The Beast in the Jungle features Leah Hofmann, Naomi Kakuk, Elizabeth Dugas, Brittany Marcin Maschmeyer, Maira Barriga, and Erin Moore.
(© David Gordon)

They will be joined by Maira Barriga (Miami City Ballet), Elizabeth Dugas (The Merry Widow), Leah Hofmann (Something Rotten!), Naomi Kakuk (The Producers), Brittany Marcin Maschmeyer (Bullets Over Broadway), and Erin Moore (Shuffle Along).

The production will feature scenic and costume design by Michael Curry, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Peter Hylenski, and music supervision by David Loud.

Susan Stroman (center) directs John Kander, and David Thompson's new work at the Vineyard Theatre.
Susan Stroman (center) directs The Beast in the Jungle, by John Kander (left) and David Thompson (right), at the Vineyard Theatre.
(© David Gordon)

Adapted from Henry James's classic 1903 novella, The Beast in the Jungle is the story of John Marcher, a man haunted by personal demons, whose great yet unfulfilled love affair with an unforgettable woman spans decades and continents.​ With a ​waltz-inspired​ ​instrumental score, and dazzling choreography that traverses the worlds of ballet and contemporary dance, this tale of love and loss reunites the remarkable creative team behind the Vineyard's acclaimed musical The Scottsboro Boys.

For tickets and more information, click here.