Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon will direct an industry reading of the new musical “In the Mood” later this month.
The musical features a book by Karen Hartman and a score of big band classics.
The cast for the reading will feature Kelli Barrett, Mallory Bechtel, Jimmy Ray Bennett, Sean-Michael Bruno, John Cardoza, Max Chlumecky, Benjamin Eakeley, Jordan Goodsell, Elizabeth Teeter, Adrienne Walker, Daniel Yearwood and Emily Zimmerman.
Inspired by the historical youth group the Swing Youth of Hamburg, Germany, the story follows two sisters in the troupe and their pair of love interests against the backdrop of World War II. But swing music is on the fringe and soon disallowed by the German government — and the youngsters evolve from carefree kids to political dissidents.
Rick Edinger will provide music direction for the reading, with Victoria Whooper as production stage manager. Casting is by Patrick Goodwin of The Telsey Office.
The reading of “In the Mood” is being produced by Christopher Maring/CM Stage Productions, with general management by ShowTown Theatricals.
