Wrangle up a date and high-step down to the Public Theater for opening night of Giant, a musical adaptation of Edna Ferber’s novel that makes its New York premiere on November 15. Brian d’Arcy James and Kate Baldwin lead the cast of the Michael Greif-directed production, which boasts music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa and a book by Sybille Pearson. The show's limited engagement is scheduled to end on December 2.
Set in Texas over the course of three decades, Giant is the sprawling story of the rich Benedict family. Led by conservative cattleman Bick (Brian d'Arcy James) and his socialite wife Leslie (Kate Baldwin), the family has an enduring rivalry with oil tycoon Jett Rink (P.J. Griffith). Bick and Leslie’s marriage frames an expansive story about greed, bigotry and power that looms almost as large as the state they call home.
The show's cast also includes 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 (Finian's Rainbow) as Pinkie. The ensemble will feature Enrique Acevedo (West Side Story) and Isabel Santiago (In the Heights).
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.
Learn how this mega-sized musical made its epic journey to the Public Theater by clicking here.