Casting announced for semi-staged workshop production of THE PIANIST at Mayflower Studios
The Pianist, a new musical adaptation of Władysław Szpilman’s memoir, adapted and directed by Thom Southerland, will play as a semi-staged workshop for two performances only at Mayflower Studios next week from 9-12 April.
For the first time, it will incorporate his original compositions into the musical narrative, with arrangements by Simon Lee. As the music and story of Szpilman finds its life on stage, this is a unique chance to see this work-in-progress piece.
It is 1946. Władysław Szpilman is writing his memoir. Initially hesitant, his fears dissipate when he is reunited with his memories as they come to life around him.
With a cast of 10 actor-musicians, who will play more than 50 characters, Szpilman encounters his memories, which, to his surprise, appear vividly around him.
Mayflower Chief Executive, Michael Ockwell, said: “As part of the artistic vision of Mayflower, we are excited to be developing this new production with co producer, Michael Wolk. As a semi-staged workshop, The Pianist will give Southampton audiences a unique insight into the creative journey of bringing a new musical to the stage with this talented company.”
The cast includes Daniel Krikler (Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Donmar Warehouse) as Władysław Szpilman, Ben Norris (The Choir of Man, West End) as Henryk and Ensemble, Philip Rham (Titanic, UK tour) as Father and Ensemble, Joanna Hickman (Ragtime, Charing Cross Theatre as Mother and Ensemble, Hayley Canham (Matilda The Musical, West End) as Regina and Ensemble, and Melania Maggiore (Casino Royale, Secret Cinema) as Halina and Ensemble, with Elzbieta Kalicka (JEANNE The Musical, Turbine Theatre), Angus Tikka as Hosenfeld and Ensemble, and Sophie Lejava (Ensemble). The musical director who will be playing piano throughout is Malcolm Forbes Peckham.