Theater News

The Beast in the Jungle Extends at Vineyard Theatre

Tony Yazbeck, Irina Dvorovenko, and more star in the world premiere of John Kander and David Thompson’s new work.

Tony Yazbeck, Irina Dvorovenko, Peter Friedman, and Teagle F. Bougere will star in the world premiere of The Beast in the Jungle at the Vineyard Theatre.
Tony Yazbeck, Irina Dvorovenko, Peter Friedman, and Teagle F. Bougere will star in the world premiere of The Beast in the Jungle at the Vineyard Theatre.
(© David Gordon)

Vineyard Theatre has announced that its world-premiere production of The Beast in the Jungle will extend through Sunday, June 17. Featuring music by John Kander, book by David Thompson, and direction and choreography by Susan Stroman, the new dance play will begin performances on May 4, with opening night set for May 23.

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 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). 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.