Nick Blaemire has joined the cast of Second Stage's musical Dogfight. Directed by Joe Mantello, the musical adaptation of the 1991 film stars Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena. Featuring music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, a book by Peter Duchan and choreography by Christopher Gatelli, the off-Broadway musical begins previews June 27. Opening night is set for July 16.
Set on November 21, 1963, Dogfight follows three young Marines on the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia. The trio sets out for one last boys’ night of debauchery, partying, and maybe a little trouble. When Corporal Eddie Birdlace (Klena) meets Rose (Mendez), an awkward and idealistic waitress, he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits. Rose however rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of compassion. The film, which features a screenplay by Bob Comfort, starred River Phoenix as Eddie and Lili Taylor as Rose.
Blaemire currently appears in the Broadway production of Godspell. He has also appeared on Broadway in Cry-Baby and composed the Broadway musical Glory Days. Blaemire has toured with Altar Boyz.
The cast of Dogfight also features Annaleigh Ashford (Rent, Wicked), Josh Segarra (Lysistrata Jones), Dierdre Friel (Leap of Faith), Becca Ayers (The Addams Family), Steven Booth (Glory Days), Adam Halpin (Glory Days), F. Michael Haynie (Carrie) and James Moye (Million Dollar Quartet).