Variety gave a roundup this weekend of the many projects on the currently very hot director, Rob Ashford who's currently working on the upcoming Los Angeles production of Parade, which he will follow with preparations for a Spring debut of the highly anticipated Broadway revival of Promises, Promises. Click here to read the full report.
Rob Ashford's production of A Streetcar Named Desire is currently running (and selling out) at the UK's Donmar Warehouse. His previous work for the company includes the critically acclaimed Parade which marked his directorial debut. He was the choreographer on Michael Grandage's Guys and Dolls for the Donmar at the Piccadilly Theatre.
His other credits include Candide (ENO, La Scala and La Chatelet Theatre), Princesses; stage musical adaptations of John Waters' Cry-Baby and Marty; Curtains; Michael Grandage's production of Evita (Adelphi Theatre); Thoroughly Modern Millie (both UK and US - Tony Award for Best Choreography) and the films Love Walked In and Beyond the Sea. Ashford serves on the Board of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
"Parade," which features T.R. Knight playing the historical figure Leo Frank and Lara Pulver reprising her role as his wife, Lucille Frank, started rehearsals this week. The Center Theatre Group's presentation of the Donmar Warehouse production begins previews September 24, 2009, and will open at the Mark Taper Forum on October 4. Performances continue through November 15.
The cast also includes, in alphabetical order, Brad Anderson, Michael Berresse (Obie Award-winner for his work as director/choreographer of "[title of show]"), Will Collyer, Charlotte d'Amboise (nominated for a Tony Award for the role of Cassie in the Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line"), Karole Foreman, Davis Gaines, Laura Griffith, P.J. Griffith, Curt Hansen, Deidrie Henry, Christian Hoff (Tony Award-winner for his role in "Jersey Boys"), Sarah Jayne Jensen, Lisa Livesay, Hayley Podschun, David St. Louis, Rose Sezniak, Phoebe Strole, Josh Tower and Robert Yacko.
A shameful event in American history and a poignant love story are at the heart of "Parade," which features a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. Co-conceived by Harold Prince, it is directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winning choreographer Rob Ashford, who helmed the Donmar production.
Scenic and costume design are by Christopher Oram, lighting is by Neil Austin and sound is by Jon Weston. The musical director is Tom Murray, casting is by Erika Sellin, CSA, and the production stage manager is David S. Franklin.
