EXCLUSIVE: Watch the Cast Meet Broadway's King Kong for the First Time

The cast of Broadway's King Kong began rehearsals this week, leading up to their first performance on October 5 and November 8 opening. As part of the first week's activities, the ensemble had a meet and greet with their 2,000-pound, 20-foot-high costar. It was an introduction full of emotion as the cast gasped, sobbed, and cheered, seeing the title character in action for the first time.

Based on the 1932 novel, the stage production of King Kong is a contemporary take on the classic tale of beauty and the beast. The story follows a young actress, Ann Darrow, and a maverick filmmaker, Carl Denham, as they voyage from the bustling streets of 1930s New York to an uncharted island to capture the world's greatest wonder. At the center of this 21st-century reimagining is a 20-foot-high, 2,000-pound gorilla brought to life by a team of artists and technicians, blending robotics, puppetry, and stagecraft.

King Kong features a book by Tony Award winner Jack Thorne (King Kong) with a score by Marius de Vries (La La Land) and songs by Eddie Perfect (Beetlejuice). Drew McOnie directs. The Broadway Theatre Box Office will open tomorrow August 3.

The show will star Christiani Pitts (A Bronx Tale — The Musical) as Ann Darrow and Eric William Morris (Mamma Mia!) as Carl Denham as well as Erik Lochtefeld (Misery) as Lumpy.