Sesma Replaces Kandel in Tharp and Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin'

Paul Kandel will be replaced by Thom Sesma in The Times They Are A-Changin,' the highly anticipated Twyla Tharp-Bob Dylan collaboration that will begin performances at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre on January 25th, 2006, and run through March 5th; opening night is set for February 9th.

Sesma will join Michael Arden (The Secret Garden concert, Bare) and Jenn Collela (Urban Cowboy) in the show.  As with Movin' Out, in which she directed and choreographed a narrative dance piece set to the songs of Billy Joel, Tharp will envision a theatrical world based on the songs of legendary folk-rock singer/songwriter Dylan.  The piece will also feature Justin Bohon, Joshua Dean, Albert Guerzon, Charlie Hodges, Doug Kreeger, Marty Lawson, Tamara Levinson, Jason McDole, Jonathan Nosan, Joseph Putignano, Sean Stewart and Jackie Seiden in its ensemble.

The Times They Are A-Changin' is "set within a low-rent traveling circus run by Capt. Arab, whose wagon hasn't moved from its location in some time – though not by lack of effort from his ragtag band of clowns and performers. One such performer is the animal trainer Cleo, a young woman exploited by Capt. Arab and loved by his son, Coyote. Coyote longs for a world outside the confines of the family business, and as the circus show plays out, he must decide whether to flee or stay, and if he does stay, how to inspire change within the troupe," according to press notes. Sesma will play Capt. Arab, while Colella and Arden will be featured as Cleo and Coyote, respectively.

The show's design team will feature Santo Loquasto (sets and costumes) and Donald Holder (lighting), while Michael Dansicker will handle musical direction, orchestrations and arrangements.

Sesma is a Broadway veteran who has appeared in Man of La Mancha, Search & Destroy, Nick & Nora, Chu Chem and La Cage aux Folles.  He recently picked up a Barrymore Award nomination for his performance in the title role of the Arden Theatre Company's staging of Sweeney Todd.

For tickets to The Times They Are A-Changin', call Globe Ticket Services at (619) 23-GLOBE or at the Globe Box Office, 1363 Old Globe Way in San Diego's Balboa Park. Visit www.theoldglobe.org for more information.