Maine’s Ogunquit Playhouse has announced casting for the World Premiere musical adaptation of Mr. Holland’s Opus, which runs at the venue from 13 August to 10 September 2022.
The new musical features book, lyrics, and direction by Tony Award winner BD Wong, with music by Tony Award nominee Wayne Barker. Inspired by the 1995 Oscar-nominated film, Mr. Holland’s Opus depicts a high school music teacher’s profound effect on the lives of his students. This World Premiere production boasts a refreshingly diverse cast of Broadway actors and young actor-musicians.The production will star Akron Watson as Glenn Holland, Anastasia Barzee as Iris Holland, Joshua Castille as Cole Holland, Veanne Cox as Helen Chae-Jacobs, Chris Orbach as Bill Meister, and Timothy Gulan as Eugene Wolters. Rounding out the cast are Joey Antonio (Cole/Natalie u/s), Stephanie Cha (Ensemble), Jenn Chandler (Ensemble), Kai An Chee (Rowena/Ensemble), Francesca Dawis (Ensemble), Napoleon Douglas (Louis/Ensemble), Yannick-Robin Eike (Bobby Toti/Ensemble), Mary Hould (Natalie/Ensemble), Abeba Isaac (Shondi/Ensemble), Louis Jannuzzi III (Stadler/Ensemble), Tyrone Kiaku (Ensemble), Angel Lin (Gertrude/Ensemble), Matt Magnusson (Jim Stahlen/Ensemble), Maggie McNeil (Stadler’s Mom/Ensemble), Noax (Leonard/Ensemble), Timmy Ong (Lamont/Ensemble), Cat Patterson (Ensemble), Natalie Powers (Ensemble), Troy Valjean Rucker (Louis Rus Sr.), Garrett Shin (Ensemble), Rodrigo Torrejón (Manny/Ensemble), and Nathan Wright (Ensemble).The cast will also be joined by a community chorus, with young singers drawn from Maine and throughout New England.
Choreographer/Associate Director is Darren Lee. Music Director is Kevin Stites. Associate Music Director is Andrew Bourgoin. The creative team for Mr. Holland’s Opus features scenic and costume design by Lex Liang, lighting design by Jonathan Spencer, projection design by Caite Hevner, sound design by Kevin Heard, and wig design by Roxanne De Luna. Casting director is Michael Cassara, CSA. Production Stage Manager is Nikki Lint. Assistant Stage Manager is Miriam Rochford. Director of Artistic Sign Language is Joey Antonio.
