BroadwayWorld.com has learned details about a recent reading of the Guthrie Theatre's upcoming production of ROMAN HOLIDAY in Minneapolis. Starring in the reading, directed by John Miller-Stephany were Laura Osnes as Princess Ann and John Behlmann as Joe Bradley. They rest of the reading cast featured many of the area's top local talent. We're told that the reading went quite well, and that the song choices, which of course include some of Porter's biggest hits like "Easy to Love," "Begin the Beguine," "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" and "Riding High" also included many rarely heard gems that 'fit perfectly into the story.' Also in attendance for the staged reading were book writer Paul Blake and other members of the creative team.
No casting has yet been announced for the production, which will run from June 9 - August 19, 2012 at the Guthrie Theatre, and often casting for readings is not indicative of a final production's cast.
Earlier press notes about the production stated that "More than 50 years since the endlessly charming Roman Holiday captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, the Guthrie presents a dazzling new musical based on the iconic film, featuring a full scoring of unforgettable tunes by Cole Porter. In this irresistibly sweet romance, a radiant young princess is on a widely publicized European tour. When the demands of her official duties and rigorous schedule become too much to bear, she sneaks away to explore the Eternal City on her own. Disguising herself as a commoner and employing a fictitious name, she meets an American newspaper reporter who feigns ignorance of her true identity to land an exclusive story. But his plan crumbles as the couple tour one of the world's most romantic cities and find themselves falling in love. With one of the most enchanting love stories of all time and soul-stirring music by one of the greatest American songwriters, stamped with the indelibly chic style of the '50s, this magical musical is a sparkling, summery treat not to be missed."
Laura Osnes returned to Broadway this fall as Bonnie Parker in Bonnie and Clyde after originating the role at Asolo Repertory Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse (San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award- Outstanding Lead Female Performance in a Musical). She'll next be seen in New York starring in PIPE DREAM at Encores! and will also star in upcoming readings of the Broadway-bound CINDERELLA. Before that, Osnes starred as Hope Harcourt in the Tony-winning revival of Anything Goes (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Astaire Award nominations) and as Nellie Forbush in Lincoln Center Theatre’s production of South Pacific. She made her Broadway debut as Sandy in the most recent revival of Grease, having won the role on NBC's reality competition "Grease: You're The One That I Want." Her many regional credits include Kim McAfee in Broadway: Three Generations (Kennedy Center).
John Behlmann is a professional stage and screen actor/writer based in New York City. As an actor, he has appeared on Broadway and Off, and at theaters across the country. Most recently he starred as Richard Hannay in the acclaimed Tony Award™ winning production of The 39 Steps directed by Maria Aitken. He also appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award™ winning production of Journey's End. Beyond New York, he has been seen on stage at some of America's leading theaters including the Kennedy Center, the Shakespeare Theatre, Denver Center Theatre Company, Guild Hall, Portland Center Stage, NY Stage and Film, and the Magic Theater. He has appeared on Television in "The Good Wife", "All My Children", "Guiding Light", and "3 lbs."; and on film in Pretty Bird, Unstoppable, and the Oscar-nominated Revolutionary Road.
