The cast of “Bull Durham,” which will premiere at the Alliance Theatre this fall, includes a front line of Broadway talent.
John Behlmann (“Journey’s End,” “The 39 Steps”), Melissa Errico (“Amour”) and Will Swenson (“Les Miserables,” “Hair”) will star in the new musical based on the beloved 1988 film made famous by Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon.
Swenson, who will take a leave from his “Les Miz” duties from July 22-Oct. 5, will play “Crash” Davis, Behlmann will fill the role of Ebby Calvin “Nuke” LaLoosh and Errico will star as the Bulls’ muse, Annie Savoy.
The show, which will be directed by Kip Fagan with a book by Ron Shelton (the director and screenwriter of the movie) and music and lyrics from acclaimed folk singer Susan Werner, was given a forum for a sneak peek last week at the Alliance’s season announcement event.
Werner said she “fell over” when she received the call to compose the score and write the lyrics for “Bull Durham,” the musical.
“It’s a little like you just learned how to throw a baseball and you’re playing for the Yankees,” Werner said.
Of course, that’s a tad of an exaggeration since she’s honed a 20-year career as a respected singer-songwriter.
After the presentation last week at the Alliance, Werner, a baseball fan who recently attended her first Braves game, said that musical influences for the show include “Southern rock and country music and bad ’80s synth-pop.” She’s also optimistic about the show moving to Broadway for the 2015 season.
"Bull Durham" will run Sept. 3-Oct. 5. Season tickets are now on sale (www.alliancetheatre.org, 404-733-5000), and single tickets will go on sale in July.
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