Brian d'Arcy James, Kate Baldwin and P.J. Griffith will star in the musical adaptation of Giant at off-Broadway's Public Theater. Directed by Michael Greif and based on the Edna Ferber novel of the same name, the show features music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa and a book by Sybille Pearson. Performances begin October 26, with opening night to follow November 13. The limited engagement is scheduled to conclude December 2.
Giant is set amid a turbulent culture of greed, bigotry and money, a powerful cattleman named Bick (James), his new East Coast bride Leslie (Baldwin), their family and friends – not to mention their enemies – embrace and confront the joys and sorrows that loom as large as the state they call home. Griffith will play their neighbor Jett, who becomes quite wealthy after discovering oil on his land.
The cast will also feature Michele Pawk (Mamma Mia!) as Luz, Bobby Steggert (Ragtime) as Jordy Jr., Natalie Cortez (A Chorus Line) as Juana, John Dossett (Newsies) as Bawley, Raul Aranas (Flower Drum Song) as Polo, Mary Bacon (Arcadia) as Adarene and Mrs. Lynnton, Miguel Cervantes (American Idiot) as Angel, Rocio Del Mar Valles (Alice) as Analita, John Fletcher (Bonnie & Clyde) as Bobby Jr. and Bobby Sr., Michael Halling (The Pajama Game) as Lord Karfrey and Lynnton, Mackenzie Mauzy (A Tale of Two Cities) as Lil Luz, Doreen Montalvo (In the Heights) as Lupe, Allison Rogers (Crazy For You) as Heidi and Lady Karfrey, Martin Sola (Coram Boy) as DiModeo, Matthew Stocke (Rock of Ages) as Mike, Katie Thompson (Top Girls) as Vashti and William Youmans (Fininan's Rainbow) as Pinkie. The ensemble will feature Enrique Acevedo (West Side Story) and Isabel Santiago (In the Heights).
James received Tony nominations for Shrek and Sweet Smell of Success. His other Broadway credits include Time Stands Still, Next to Normal, The Apple Tree, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Titanic and Blood Brothers. Baldwin earned a Tony nomination for Finninan's Rainbow. She has also appeared on Broadway in Wonderful Town, Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Full Monty. Griffith has appeared on Broadway in American Idiot and tourned nationally with Mamma Mia!
Giant will feature scenic design by Allen Moyer, costume design by Jeff Mahshie, lighting design by Ken Posner, sound design by Brian Ronan, musical direction by Chris Fenwick and choreography by Alex Sanchez. Giant is a co-production between the Public and Dallas Theater Center.