“A Wonderful World, A New Musical about the Life and Loves of Louis Armstrong” is set to premiere in New Orleans and then Chicago this fall.
The musical will play the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans from Oct. 1-8 before moving to the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago from Oct. 11-29. Producers shared their intent to then move the production to Broadway.
“A Wonderful World” is conceived by Tony Award nominee Christopher Renshaw and novelist Andrew Delaplaine, and features an original book by Aurin Squire and music made popular by Armstrong. Real-life wife–and-husband team Annastasia Victory and Michael O. Mitchell provide original music, arrangements, orchestrations and music direction.
Renshaw will direct and Rickey Tripp will choreograph. Christina Sajous serves as associate director and Aurelia Michael as associate choreographer.
The musical will capture the story of jazz legend Armstrong, as told by the women in his life.
The cast will be led by Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart as Armstrong. Casting is by Duncan Stewart of Stewart/Whitley.
The world premiere of the new musical was produced by Miami New Drama on Dec. 11, 2021, at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach, Florida.
“A Wonderful Life” is produced by Thomas E. Rodgers Jr., Renee Rodgers, Andrew Delaplaine and Martian Entertainment (Carl D. White and Gregory Rae).
