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See who’s attending Idina Menzel’s world premiere Sequoia musical
Tina Landau will direct the new film, which she devised with Menzel.
Cast announced for world premiere of new musical at La Jolla Playhouse redwood, The production will run from February 13th to March 31st at the Sheila and Hughes Potikar Theater. Tony Award nominee Tina Landau, who wrote the book and co-wrote the lyrics, will also direct.
As previously reported, Evil Tony Award winner Idina Menzel (who co-created the project with director Landau) leads the cast as Jesse, joined by new Tony Award nominee Deirdre Aziza (passing strange) Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Mel (Tina) as Becca, Michael Park (Dear Evan Hansen) Zachary Noah Pizer as Finn (Dear Evan Hansen) In addition to the role of Spencer, stand-ins Giovani Diaz de Leon and Lance Arthur Smith also appear.
SequoiaWith Landau’s book, music by Kate Diaz, lyrics by Diaz and Landau, and additional contributions by Menzel, the Tony Award winner appears to be a successful businesswoman, mother, wife, and has it all. Cast as Jessie, who looks broken, her heart is broken. At her turning point, Jesse leaves everyone behind, gets in her car, and heads to the ancient forests of Northern California. There her chance encounter and her leap of faith change her life forever.
The creative team includes music supervisor Kimberly Grigsby, musical director Haley Bennett, scenic designer Jason Ardizon-West, costume designer Toni-Leslie James, lighting designer Scott Zielinski, and sound designer Jonathan Deans, and vertical movement and media designer Hannah S. Kim. Directed by Melecio Estrella/BANDALOOP. Casting will be handled by Telsey Office’s Patrick Goodwin and Jacole Kitchen.
The stage manager is Laura K. Powell and the co-stage manager is Topaz Cooks.
“It is a real thrill to conclude the 2023-2024 season with this fascinating new musical. The Playhouse continues to develop Sequoia For several years, I worked with the dynamo team of Tina Landau, Kate Diaz, and Idina Menzel, each an artist with a unique vision, creating extraordinary work full of invention, inspiration, and empathy.” La Jolla Playhouse Rich said. Family Artistic Director Christopher Ashley said in a statement.
Visit LaJollaPlayhouse.org.