Tony Yazbeck-Led The Beast in the Jungle Celebrates Opening Night

Vineyard Theatre's world-premiere production of The Beast in the Jungle opened on Wednesday, May 23, for its run through June 17. The dance play features music by John Kander, a book by David Thompson, and direction and choreography by Susan Stroman.

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.

The show's company is 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). They are 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 features scenic and costume design by Michael Curry, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Peter Hylenski, and music supervision by David Loud.