Photo Flash: First Look at Lauren Molina, Bri Sudia and More in Rehearsal for Goodman Theatre's WONDERFUL TOWN

The cast and creative team is set for Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman's revival of WONDERFUL TOWN - Leonard Bernstein's classic musical that with lyrics by Betty Comdenand Adolph Green and book by Joseph Fieldsand Jerome Chodorov. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the rehearsal photos below!

A whimsical love letter to Manhattan, WONDERFUL TOWN follows the adventure of sisters Eileen and Ruth, who leave Columbus, Ohio in search of success in the Big Apple. Lauren Molina, who appeared as Cunegonde in Zimmerman's acclaimed production of Candide (2010/2011 Season), portrays the beautiful actress and hopeful romantic, Eileen; and breakout Chicago star Bri Sudia (Far From Heaven, Porchlight Music Theater) makes her Goodman debut as Ruth, an aspiring, romantically challenged journalist.

Joining Molina and Sudia in the 26-member cast are Chicago favorites Karl Hamilton as RoBert Baker, the isolated editor of the Manhatternewspaper; Wade Elkins as Frank Lippencott andSteven Strafford as Chick Clark-two of Eileen's love prospects and residents of the bohemian 1950s town; and Jordan Brown (Wreck), Amy J. Carle (Mrs. Wade),Matt DeCaro(Appopolous),Christina Hall (Violet), James Earl Jones II (Speedy Valenti), Sadieh Rifai (Helen) and George Andrew Wolff (Lonigan).

Ensemble members include Nathaniel Braga, Ariana Cappuccitti, Sherriese Hamilton, Aaron Holland, Mark David Kaplan, Tiffany Krause, Kent M. Lewis, Russell Mernagh,Jeff Parker, Jody Reynard, Todd Rhoades, Lainie Sakakura, Ian Saunders and Erica Stephan. Artist headshots and bio information can be found on the Artist Page.

Under music director Doug Peck and associate music director/conductor Ben Johnson, the 18-member orchestra brings to life 20 of Bernstein's songs-including "Ohio" and "One Hundred Easy Ways to Lose a Man." Chicago native and choreographer Alex Sanchez, whose work has been described as "spectacular-wildly ingenious and playful from start to finish" (Chicago Sun-Times), makes his Goodman debut. The creative team also includes Todd Rosenthal (sets), Ana Kuzmanic (costumes), T.J. Gerckens (lights) and Ray Nardelli (sound).

WONDERFUL TOWN appears September 10 - October 16 in the Albert Theatre (Opening Night is September 20). Tickets ($25 - $93; subject to change) go on sale to the general public Friday, August 5 and are available at GoodmanTheatre.org, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn).

Photo Credit: Liz Lauren

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