Megan Hilty, Geneva Carr & More B'way Vets Set for New TV Land Comedy I SHUDDER

TV Land has tapped into the theater world for its pilot "I Shudder," casting "Smash" bombshell and Broadway alum Megan Hilty ("9 to 5: The Musical," "Wicked"), John Behlmann ("Significant Other," "The 39 Steps"), Tony®-nominated Geneva Carr ("Hand To God") and Brooklyn Shuck ("Matilda The Musical," "Annie") to co-star opposite previously announced lead actor Hamish Linklater ("Cymbeline," "The Newsroom"). Hilty and Behlmann will play Sara and Drake Morelle, the demanding parents to 11-year-old Stella, played by Shuck. The Morelles are neighbors to the eccentric and refined Elyot Vionnet, played by Linklater. Carr has been tapped to play their other neighbor, Susan Marie, who is unpleasant and self-righteous. The pilot will be shot in New York in October.

"I Shudder" is a comedy revolving around Elyot Vionnet, an advocate of manners, style and most importantly, common decency. Observing people committing heinous crimes of etiquette, he tries to counsel them from afar, inserting himself into their lives most unwelcomely. When the individuals he deems classless choose not to take his advice, they are met with terrible consequences. Elyot joins forces with his young neighbor Stella to try to make the world better, one tactless person at a time.

"I Shudder" is written and executive produced by Paul Rudnick ("In & Out," "Addams Family Values"), who also wrote the book on which the project is based, I Shudder: And Other Reactions to Life, Death, and New Jersey. Also executive producing is Dan Jinks ("American Beauty," "Pushing Daisies"). Telsey + Company handled casting for the pilot.

About TV Land

TV Land is the programming destination featuring the best in entertainment on all platforms for consumers in their 40s. Consisting of original programming, acquisitions and a digital portfolio, TV Land is now seen in over 98 million U.S. Homes.

Megan Hilty made her Broadway debut as Glinda in Wicked, a role that she repeated in Los Angeles and on national tour. She played Doralee in the Broadway and touring productions of 9 to 5, garnering Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama League Award nominations. Megan starred in the NBC series "Smash" and opposite Sean Hayesin "Sean Saves the World." Megan has performed with orchestras across the country, and has appeared on the televised concerts A Capitol Fourth and National Memorial Day Concert (both PBS) and Christmas in Washington (TNT). She continues to tour the country with her critically acclaimed solo show. Her solo album It Happens All the Time was released by Sony in 2013. She will be seen in the "Untitled Warren Beatty Project," scheduled for release in 2016.

Photo by Jay Brady