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.
The cast for Tony Cucchiara and Gianluca Cucchiara’s new musical Vanara – The Legend has been announced.
The cast includes Matthew Croke (Aladdin, Prince Edward) as Mohr, Glenn Carter (Evita, UK tour) as Tahl, Johnnie Fiori (The Sunshine Boys, Savoy Theatre/Ahmanson Theatre, LA) as The Oroznah, Carole Stennett (Death of a Salesman, Piccadilly Theatre) as Tonah, and Cavin Cornwall (Jesus Christ Superstar, Barbican) as Crohm. Emily Bautista (Les Misérables; Miss Saigon – Broadway) will make her London debut in the role of Ayla.
Joining them are Samantha Mercer (Les Misérables) as Utza, Kayleigh McKnight (Tina The Musical) as Sindah, Jaoquin Pedro Valdes (Heathers) as Rooh, and Shem Omari James (The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Leicester Curve) as Caladar.
The cast is completed by an ensemble with Jemima Brown, Chris George, Yuki Abe, Olivia Jones, Ella Martine, HIcaro Nicolai, Prem Rai, and Ebby Sama.
The musical will have its world premiere at Hackney Empire following a successful workshop and concept album. It will run from 22 October to 31 October in London, and will tour the UK in 2022.
It is directed by Adam Lenson and Eleesha Drennan who are also dramaturg and choreographer respectively. Andrew James Whelan is the lyricist, and Jen Green is the orchestrator, while Tamara Saringer is the musical director, and Libby Todd is the set and costume designer.
Tickets for Vanara – The Legend are available now from the Hackney Empire box office.
Words by Orla McAndrew
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