Theatre Calgary announces casting for world premiere musical The Tale of the Gifted Prince
iPhoto caption: (L to R) Kelsey Verzotti, Kennedy Kanagawa, and Ma-Anne Dionisio. Photo by Tim Nguyen.
Theatre Calgary, in partnership with Somerled Arts, has announced casting for the world premiere of The Tale of the Gifted Prince, running early next year at the Max Bell Theatre.
With book and lyrics by Lezlie Wade and music by Daniel Green, the musical is based on Lloyd Alexander’s novel The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen. The story follows Prince Ren as he leaves a kingdom on the brink of rebellion in search of a reclusive shaman whose guidance may save his father’s throne. Carrying five unassuming objects gifted to him at the start of his journey, Ren discovers that each holds unexpected powers that could heal the realm — or break it apart.
“From our earliest conversations with… our friends at Theatre Calgary, we dreamed of bringing this magical story to the stage through close collaboration between Canadian and American artists,” wrote Scott Evans, artistic director at Somerled Arts, in a press release.
Starring as Prince Ren is Kennedy Kanagawa, known for his recent Broadway appearance in Into the Woods. Joining him is Ma-Anne Dionisio as the Woman, and Kelvin Moon Loh as the King and Magistrate.
Rounding out the all-Asian cast are Kelsey Verzotti, Daren Dyhengco, Daniel Fong, Nikko Angelo Hinayo, Kodie Rollan, Julius Sermonia, Kelly Wong, Selina Wong, Olivia Yang, and Michelle Yu. Covers include Tiana Jung, Mark Sinongco and Kalia Stapleton.
The production is directed and choreographed by Darren Lee, whose career has spanned Broadway, the West End, and beyond.
The creative team also includes musical director Daniel Green, and designers Beyata Hackborn (set), Jessica Poirier-Chang (costumes), Sophie Tang (lighting), Joshua D. Reid (sound), and Sean Nieuwenhuis (projections), with puppet design by Green Fools Theatre.
“I’ve watched Darren evolve and expand into a consummate director whose passion is exploring the intricate process of bringing new musicals to life,” wrote Theatre Calgary artistic director Stafford Arima. “I’m deeply inspired by the authors, cast, and creative team, [whose] perspectives and experiences will enrich the process [and] deepen the storytelling of this new musical.”
The Tale of the Gifted Prince runs at Theatre Calgary from February 14 to March 15.
Theatre Calgary is an Intermission partner. Learn more about Intermission’s partnership model here.
Krystal Abrigo
Krystal is Intermission's Publishing and Editorial Coordinator. A Scarborough-based writer of Philippine and Egyptian descent, she graduated cum laude with an Honours BA in Professional Writing from York University, specializing in Book Publishing and Corporate/Organizational Communication. She enjoys reading bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and James Baldwin. At any given moment, you can probably find her at a concert or on a long walk somewhere in Toronto.
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