Casting is finalized for the Broadway premiere of “Cult of Love.” David Rasche and Mare Winningham will play Bill and Ginny Dahl in Leslye Headland’s comedy. The previously announced play will begin previews on Nov. 20 ahead of a Dec. 12 opening night at the Helen Hayes Theater. Featuring direction by Tripp Cullman, the production is scheduled to play a limited engagement through Feb. 2, 2025.
Rasche made his Main Stem debut replacing in 1977’s “The Shadow Box.” His other Broadway credits include “Loose Ends,” “Lunch Hour,” “Speed-the-Plow,” “Getting and Spending,” “To Be or Not to Be” and, most recently, “The Country House.” Rasche is known to television audiences for his turns in “Succession,” “Veep” and “Sledge Hammer!”
Winningham is a two-time Tony Award nominee, receiving nods for her turns in “Casa Valentina” and “Girl From the North Country.” She also appeared on Broadway in a revival of “Picnic.” Winningham has twice won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, first in 1980 for “Amber Waves” and again in 1998 for “George Wallace.” For her supporting turn in the 1995 film “Georgia,” Winningham received an Academy Award nomination.
Also newly announced are understudies Peter Bradbury, Billy Cohen, Vero Maynez, Rachel Prather and Luisa Sermol. Bradbury’s career comprises over 25 Broadway productions. He currently understudies the titular role in “McNeal.” Prather has appeared on the Main Stem in “A Christmas Carol” and “The Band’s Visit.” “Cult of Love” will mark the Broadway debut of Cohen, Maynez and Sermol.
They join the previously announced Zachary Quinto, Shailene Woodley, Molly Bernard, Roberta Colindrez, Barbie Ferreira, Rebecca Henderson, Christopher Lowell and Christopher Sears. Casting is by Jim Carnahan and Liz Fraser.
In “Cult of Love,” the Dahl family’s four adult children return home for Christmas along with partners. The Dahls’ joyous holiday traditions are challenged by conflict as the family grapples with what can bind them together and tear them apart.
“Cult of Love” is being produced by Second Stage Theater under the leadership of interim artistic director Bennett Leak and executive director Lisa Lawer Post.
