On Dec. 15, the new musical “Silk” will receive an industry reading in New York City. Currently in development, “Silk” is created by Meg Fofonoff of Art Lab with a book by Eric Holmes, music and lyrics by Chilina Kennedy and Daniel Edmonds and additional lyrics by Holmes. Kennedy is also set to direct the presentation.
Set at the turn of the 20th century in Paris, “Silk” follows Denise, a woman from the country working to survive. She meets the owner of the world’s first department store, Octave Mouret, a man who revolutionized commerce. But can she love the man who set the world on a course of constant consumption?
Kennedy is best known for her Broadway performances as Carole King in “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical” and Annie O’Brien in “Paradise Square.” She has also appeared in the international tour of “The Band’s Visit” as Dina. Kennedy has collaborated with Holmes on another musical, “Wild About You,” which will play London’s West End in March 2024. Separate from Kennedy, Holmes was a writer on the series “The Good Fight” and has co-written the musicals “Fly More Than You Fall” with Nat Zegree as well as “Born Country” with his wife and collaborator Erin Holmes. Edmonds served as musical director during the run of “Beautiful” and worked in the music departments of “Paradise Square” and “Shucked.” He has also worked on the world premiers of the musicals “King Kong,” “Strictly Ballroom” and “Dream Lover.”
The presentation will star Myha’la Herrold as Denise, Julian Ovenden as Mouret, Jackie Burns as Madame Des Forges, Eddie Cooper as Baudu, Aisha Jackson as Pauline, Kevin Cahoon as Bourdoncle, James Harkness as Bourras, Hailee Kaleem Wright as Genevieve, Jessica Keenan Wynn as Countess Des Boves, Jennifer Fouché as Madam Guibal, Josh Jordan as Jean, Nasia Thoas as Madame Marty, Bridget Beirne as Madame Aurelie, Zoe Jensen as Clara, Megan Masako Haley as Marguerite, Jimmy Brewer as Deloche, Caleb Mathura as Bauge, Pascal Pastrana as Hutin, Nico Oliveri as Colomban and Jayden Theophile as Pepe.
The reading of “Silk” will be presented by Art Lab. Art Lab has been part of the producing team of Broadway’s “Head Over Heels.”
