Cast announced for premiere stage production of The Artist
Casting has been announced for the world premiere stage production of Michel Hazanavicius’ multi–Academy Award-winning film The Artist.
The Artist has been co-adapted for the stage by Lindsey Ferrentino and Drew McOnie, who will also direct and choreograph.
The production will make its world premiere with a strictly limited run at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 11 – 25 May 2024.
Multi award-winning international dancer and actor Robbie Fairchild returns to the UK stage for the first time since his acclaimed leading performance in An American In Paris to play silent movie icon George Valentin, with West End favourite Gary Wilmot as Al Zimmer, and introducing Briana Craig (42nd Street tour) as Peppy Miller.
Completing the company are Nicole Alphonce (Swing/Dance Captain), Alexander Bean (Clifton), Will Bozier (Ensemble), Matthew Caputo (Ensemble), Tiffany Graves (Gertie Gams), Tim Hodges (Swing), Lukas Hunt (Swing/Dance Captain), Lily Laight (Ensemble), Deja Linton (Ensemble), Tyler Lotzof (Ensemble), Louis Mackrodt (Ensemble), Shayna McPherson (Swing) , Ebony Molina (Doris Valentin), Rachel Muldoon (Constance), Mark Samaras (Ensemble), Thomas Walton (Uggie) and Daisy West (Ensemble).
Drew McOnie, Artistic Director of The McOnie Company, said: “It is such an honour to be collaborating with these exceptional artists on this brand new production. The commitment and talent that pours from them is palpable and I’m so excited for audiences to fall head over heels in love with each of them for their bravery, honesty and heart.”
Robbie Fairchild (George Valentin) added: ““There are few moments in the life of a performer when you are given the opportunity to play a character that you instantly feel so connected to… that in the process of diving into them, you begin to understand yourself and your own life experiences more. The Artist is one of those moments for me, and my gratitude is very, very abundant.”
Gary Wilmot (Al Zimmer) commented: “It’s a great privilege to be a part of The Artist next year, I loved the film when I saw it in the packed cinema, and now that Drew McOnie’s got his hands on it, it’s going to go stratospheric. Truly honoured to be in the company of such talented people – the audiences are going to get a first-class show!”
And Briana Craig (Peppy Miller) enthused: “Working with Drew, this creative team and these artists, is such an honour. I’ve never experienced anything so collaborative or such genius in one space. As a child, I dreamed of doing work as special as this and now it’s a reality I feel incredibly lucky. Every day in the room I’m amazed at how we’re using theatre as a medium to create this innovative piece of art. Expect the unexpected!”
The production has set and costume design by Christopher Oram, music by Simon Hale, lighting by Zoe Spurr, sound by Simon Baker, video by Ash J Woodward, puppetry by Maia Kirkman-Richards and casting by Will Burton. The associate director/choreographer is Ebony Molina and the musical director is Chris Poon.
For more information and tickets, visit theartistonstage.com
