Casting announced for highly anticipated new musical VANARA - THE LEGEND
A fantastic ensemble of West End and international talent have been confirmed to star in the world premiere of Vanara - The Legend at Hackney Empire, running from 22-31 October 2021.
The cast includes Matthew Croke (Aladdin, West End; Hair, London Palladium), Glenn Carter (Evita, UK tour; Jesus Christ Superstar, UK tour), Johnnie Fiori (The Sunshine Boys, Savoy Theatre/Ahmanson Theatre, LA), Carole Stennett (Death of a Salesman, Piccadilly Theatre; The Bodyguard, UK tour), Cavin Cornwall (Jesus Christ Superstar, Barbican) and rising-star Emily Bautista (Les Misérables; Miss Saigon – Broadway), who will make her London debut.
Completing the cast are Samantha Mercer (Les Misérables, West End; Jerry Springer the Opera, National Theatre), Kayleigh McKnight (Tina The Musical, West End; Jesus Christ Superstar, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Joaquin Pedro Valdes (Heathers, West End; Miss Saigon, UK & International tour) and Shem Omari James (The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Leicester Curve). The production will play for a strictly limited London run before embarking on a UK-wide tour in 2022.
The production will also feature an incredible ensemble with Jemima Brown, Chris George, Yuki Abe, Olivia Jones, Ella Martine, HIcaro Nicolai, Prem Rai, and Ebby Sama.
This ground breaking production will be directed by Adam Lenson and Eleesha Drennan, who also serve as dramaturg and choreographer respectively. Vanara – The Legend features a soaring score by Gianluca Cucchiara, lyrics by Andrew James Whelan, a book by Michael Conley, set and costume design by Libby Todd, orchestrations by Jen Green, and musical direction by Tamara Saringer.
With a prevailing message of hope and call for unity, the production resonates with the chaos of today’s society and the earth ravaged by natural disasters. This fiery phenomenon has gained cult status among fans throughout its development process. With its blend of theatre, contemporary dance, and technical innovation, Vanara – The Legend is crafting a new language for musical theatre. It is an excitingly modern musical like nothing before.
As disaster threatens to destroy the world they know, two tribes are locked in an age-old battle. One young woman must make a choice: protect the traditions of her people or challenge everything she has been taught. With total devastation bearing down on them, will the two tribes reunite before it’s too late?
Producer Giovanna Romagnoli said: “We’re thrilled to bring together this incredible ensemble to premiere Vanara – The Legend in London. We can’t wait for audiences to witness the fantastic spectacle on stage, showcasing the talents of both the cast and creative team.”
For more information and to book tickets, please click here.
