Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez and More to Lead Pasek & Paul's DOGFIGHT at Second Stage Theatre

Second Stage Theatre has announced the casting for its upcoming world premiere musical, DOGFIGHT.

The company will feature Annaleigh Ashford (Rent, Wicked, Legally Blonde), Becca Ayers (The Addams Family, Avenue Q), Steven Booth (Glory Days), Dierdre Friel (Leap of Faith), Adam Halpin (Glory Days), F. Michael Haynie (Carrie), Derek Klena (Carrie), Lindsay Mendez (Godspell, Second Stage’s Everyday Rapture), James Moye (Million Dollar Quartet), and Josh Segarra (Lysistrata Jones).

Featuring music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, a book by Peter Duchan, choreography by two-time Tony nominee Christopher Gattelli, and directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello, DOGFIGHT will begin previews on Wednesday, June 27 and officially open on Monday, July 16 at Second Stage’s Tony Kiser Theatre (305 West 43rd street). For more information, please visit www.2ST.com.

It’s November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying, and maybe a little trouble. But when Corporal Eddie Birdlace (Derek Klena) meets Rose (Lindsay Mendez), an awkward and idealistic waitress he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of compassion.

DOGFIGHT is based on the Warner Bros. film and screenplay by Bob Comfort. DOGFIGHT is the winner of the 2011 Richard Rodgers Studio Production Award, administered by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Costume and set design are supported by a grant from the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund.

DOGFIGHT will feature scenic and costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Paul Gallo, sound design by Fitz Patton, hair design by Josh Marquette, and make-up design by Ashley Ryan. The music director is Bryan Perri. Orchestrations are by Michael Starobin.