BROADWAY’S NICK ADAMS, EDEN ESPINOSA AND MAX VON ESSEN WILL LEAD THE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR OF THE LINCOLN CENTER THEATER BROADWAY PRODUCTION OF “FALSETTOS” AT THE AHMANSON THEATRE APRIL 16 THROUGH MAY 19, 2019

Music and lyrics by WILLIAM FINN, Book by WILLIAM FINN and JAMES LAPINE, Direction by JAMES LAPINE

Jujamcyn Theaters and NETworks Presentations announced principal casting for the North American Tour of William Finn and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical “Falsettos.” Leading the National Company will be Broadway superstars Nick Adams (“La Cage aux Folles” and “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”) as Whizzer, Eden Espinosa (“Wicked,” “Brooklyn The Musical” and “Rent”) as Trina and Max von Essen (“An American in Paris,” Tony Award-nominee, “Evita” and “Les Misérables”) as Marvin. The tour will be presented by Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre April 16 through May 19, 2019. The opening is set for April 17.

"It is a great thrill to be bringing ‘Falsettos’ to theatre audiences across America and to be doing so with this exceptional cast of Broadway actors,” said James Lapine.

Joining this tight knit family will be Nick Blaemire (Broadway’s “Cry-Baby,” “Godspell” and Off-Broadway’s “tick…tick…Boom!”) as Mendel, Audrey Cardwell (First National Tours of “Bright Star” and “Cinderella”) as Cordelia, Bryonha Marie Parham (Broadway’s “Ragtime,” “Porgy and Bess” and “Prince of Broadway”) as Dr. Charlotte and just-announced Thatcher Jacobs and Jim Kaplan sharing the role of Jason. Rounding out the company are Josh Canfield, Melanie Evans, Megan Loughran and Darick Pead.

Hear from the creative team about this new touring production: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNgTykCOeE8

The North American Tour will hold technical rehearsals and opening performances at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, AR (February 8-9, 2019) and will have its Official Tour Press Opening at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco, CA on Wednesday, March 20 (run dates: March 19-April 14, 2019). For a full list of cities, please visit FalsettosBroadway.com.

This production was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival when it returned to Broadway in Fall 2016. The North American Tour of the Lincoln Center Theater Broadway production of “Falsettos” is directed once again by James Lapine. The production has choreography by Spencer Liff (Emmy Award nominee for FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance”), sets by David Rockwell (“Hairspray,” “The Normal Heart,” “She Loves Me”), costumes by Jennifer Caprio (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”), lighting by Jeff Croiter (“Bandstand,” “Something Rotten!”), sound by Dan Moses Schreier (“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” “Gypsy” with Patti LuPone), casting by Eric Woodall / Tara Rubin Casting, music supervision by Vadim Feichtner and features Michael Starobin’s (“Assassins,” “Next to Normal”) original orchestrations.

The North American Tour of the Lincoln Center Theater Broadway production of “Falsettos” is produced by Jujamcyn Theaters and NETworks Presentations.

“Falsettos” revolves around the life of a charming, intelligent, neurotic gay man named Marvin, his wife, lover, about-to-be-Bar-Mitzvahed son, their psychiatrist and the lesbians next door. It’s a hilarious and achingly poignant look at the infinite possibilities that make up a modern family… and a beautiful reminder that love can tell a million stories.

This production of “Falsettos” marks a happy reunion for composer/lyricist William Finn and playwright/director James Lapine. In 1981, Finn and Lapine’s new one-act musical “March of the Falsettos” premiered at Playwrights Horizons’ second floor 75-seat space. The story of a gay man named Marvin, his lover Whizzer, Marvin’s wife Trina, son Jason and their psychiatrist Mendel, “March of the Falsettos” was a critical success, described by The New York Times as “a musical find.” It eventually moved to Playwrights Horizons’ larger downstairs theatre for an extended engagement before enjoying a long run Off-Broadway at what was then known as the Westside Arts Theatre.

Fast forward to 1990, when a second new musical by Finn and Lapine, “Falsettoland,” opened at Playwrights Horizons. A continuation of the story of Marvin and his extended family in the early days of the AIDS crisis, “Falsettoland” repeated the success of its predecessor with rave reviews and a move to the Lucille Lortel Theatre.

In 1992, the two one-act musicals were combined into one and opened on Broadway as “Falsettos.” “Falsettos” ran for over a year at the John Golden Theatre and won Tony Awards for Finn’s score and Finn and Lapine’s book.

Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading nonprofit theatre company, which, under Artistic Director Michael Ritchie, programs seasons at the 736-seat Mark Taper Forum and 1600 to 2100-seat Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the 317-seat Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. In addition to presenting and producing the broadest range of theatrical entertainment in the country, Center Theatre Group is one of the nation’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions and a leader in interactive community engagement and education programs that reach across generations, demographics and circumstance to serve Los Angeles.

Tickets for “Falsettos” are available by calling (213) 972-4400, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, or by visiting the Center Theatre Group Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $30 – $135 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012.

January 22, 2019

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

NICK ADAMS (Whizzer) most notably originated and starred as Adam/Felicia in the Tony-winning Broadway musical “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” (Winner of two Broadway Audience Choice Awards, American Theater Hall of Fame Honoree, Astaire Award nominee) and was the final actor to star as Fiyero in the First National Touring production of the Broadway hit “Wicked.” This past fall, Nick originated the role of Damian in the world premiere of the musical “Mary and Max” at Theatre Calgary. Also on Broadway: “A Chorus Line” (Larry), “Guys and Dolls” (Liver Lips Louis, ORC), “Chicago” (Mary Sunshine standby), “La Cage Aux Folles” (2010 Tony Winning Revival, ORC), and “The Pirate Queen” (OBC). TV and Film credits include “The Other Two” (Comedy Central), “Sex and the City 2,” “An Englishman in New York,” “Smash,” “As the World Turns,” “Guiding Light,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Rosie Live,” “It Could Be Worse,” “The Kennedy Center Honors,” “Regis and Kelly,” “Good Morning America,” “The View,” The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, “Best Time Ever” with Neil Patrick Harris, multiple telecasts of The Tony Awards, and Keith on season two of “Go-Go Boy Interrupted.” Concerts: New York Pops 30th Anniversary (Carnegie Hall), Songs For A New World (NYC, Director Jeff Calhoun), Naples Philharmonic, Indianapolis Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Erie Philharmonic, Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, Birdland, NYC Gay Men's Chorus, Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Feinstein's at The Niko San Francisco, Feinstein's 54 Below, Highline Ballroom. Regionally he's been seen as Gabey in “On The Town” (Gateway Playhouse), Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid” (Papermill, PCLO, Kansas City Starlight), and Magaldi in “Evita” (North Shore Music Theatre). Mr. Adams has instructed several master classes nationwide & internationally, has served on the guest faculty of The Boston Conservatory Musical Theatre Dance Intensive as well as The Broadway Dreams Foundation, and is regarded as a Capezio Dance Athlete. Nick has been featured in several national media outlets including Vanity Fair, DNA Magazine, OUT, Paper Magazine’s Beautiful People issue and the covers of Dance Spirit and Instinct Magazine. Recordings: “Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “The Pirate Queen,” “Sex And The City 2,” “Dee Does Broadway,” “Crossroads Broadway” compilation album. BFA Boston Conservatory. www.NicholasAdams.com @thenickadams

NICK BLAEMIRE (Mendel) is a Brooklyn-based actor and writer with his wife Ana and their dog, Leo McGarry. He was recently nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his performance as Jon in the Off-Broadway Revival of “Tick, Tick…Boom!” Broadway: “Godspell,” “Cry-Baby” (Original Casts) and “Glory Days” (Music and Lyrics). Off-Broadway/Touring: “Found” (Atlantic), “Dogfight” (2ndStage), “Altar Boyz” (1st National Tour). Regional: Plankton in “SpongeBob SquarePants” (Oriental Theatre, Chicago), Benvolio in “The Last Goodbye” (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Randall in “Bring it On” (Alliance Theatre), James Lapine’s “Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing” (Vineyard Playhouse). TV/Film: “Fosse/Verdon,” “The Big C,” “Crossbones,” “The Good Wife,” “Zero Hour,” “Law & Order: CI,” Whit Stillman’s “Damsels in Distress.” Writing: Book, music and lyrics for the original musicals “A Little More Alive” (Williamstown, KC Rep, Barrington Stage, film option), “Soon” (Signature Theatre, Steven Sondheim Young Artist Citation) and “Fallout” (with Kyle Jarrow, in development). Pop Music: The Ampersand EP and The Hustle EP, available on iTunes and Spotify. Upcoming: Workshops of Jason Robert Brown’s new piece “The Connector,” writing an original play for Marvel, adapting a film to the stage for Disney, developing a television series with Daniel Watts, and “The Jonathan Larson Project” original cast recording. Proud University of Michigan graduate. IG: blaemire TW: nickblaemire

AUDREY CARDWELL (Cordelia) most recently starred as Alice Murphy in the First National Tour of “Bright Star.” Other National Tours: “Cinderella” (Ella), “Anything Goes” and “Elf.” Regional credits include The Old Globe (Sarah Brown in “Guys and Dolls”), Asolo Repertory Theatre (Sarah Brown in “Guys and Dolls”), Houston TUTS, The MUNY, North Shore Music Theatre, Dallas Summer Musicals. Graduate of Penn State University. @akatcard

EDEN ESPINOSA (Trina) is most recognized for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked” on Broadway and in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other credits include originating the title character in “Brooklyn the Musical,” Flora in “Flora the Red Menace,” and Maureen in the closing company of “Rent” on Broadway. Eden also originated the role of Sadie Thompson in the world premiere of “Rain,” at the Old Globe Theatre. She portrayed Eva Peron in TPAC and Studio Tenn’s production of “Evita.” In 2017 she toured Denmark and London playing Emma Borden in the rock musical “Lizzie.” She played Mary Flynn to rave reviews in Maria Freidman’s productions of “Merrily We Roll Along” at the Huntington Theatre in Boston. She was Daniela in Kennedy Center’s “In The Heights.” Most recently she originated the role of Tamara De Lempicka in the world premiere of “Lempicka” at Williamstown Theatre Festival, directed by Rachel Chavkin. Her television appearances include shows such as “Law and Order,” “Ugly Betty” and “Elementary.” Voiceover credits include Cassandra in the Disney show “Tangled the Series,” “Robot Chicken,” “MAD TV,” “Elena of Avalor” and “Titan Maximum.” Eden’s debut album, “Look Around,” charted in the Pop iTunes top 50 between Adele and Katy Perry. Her second album will be released early 2019.

THATCHER JACOBS (Jason) is honored to make “Falsettos” his national tour debut. Youth productions include “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” the musical, “A Christmas Story” the musical, “Gypsy,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Special thanks to First Stage professional theatre in Milwaukee, WI. Thanks to Mara Entertainment, my parents, friends and family for this incredible opportunity.

JIM KAPLAN (Jason) is thrilled to be on tour with “Falsettos.” Broadway: “School of Rock” (Lawrence); “The King and I” (Royal Child). National Tour: “Matilda” (Eric). Many thanks to Abrams, Mara Entertainment and to all of my amazing teachers. Love and gratitude to mom, dad, Bailey, Jamie and Jasper.

BRYONHA MARIE PARHAM (Dr. Charlotte) was last seen this season in “Prince of Broadway,” where she portrayed numerous characters from the cannon of beloved musical theatre icon, Harold Prince. Other Broadway credits include “Book of Mormon,” “After Midnight,” “The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess” (Serena), “Ragtime” (Sarah’s Friend). Off Broadway/NY: “Candide” (Carnegie Hall), NY Philharmonic’s “Showboat” and “Sweeney Todd” (Beggar Woman), “Ragtime” @ Lincoln Center. World Premiere: “DAVE” (Arena Stage), “Prince of Broadway” (Tokyo Orb). Favorite regional credits include the rarely performed Bernstein’s “MASS” with The Philadelphia Orchestra, “The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess,” “Extraordinary” (American Repertory Theatre), “Ragtime” (Kennedy Center), “Civil War” (NETworks), “HAIR” (Sacramento Music Circus), “Dreamgirls” (Effie White at North Shore Music Theatre, Fulton Theatre, Maine State Music Theatre), “Little Shop of Horrors” (Berkshire Theatre Festival), “Once On This Island” (Coterie Theatre) and a many more! Television: “Madame Secretary,” “Showboat” and “Sweeney Todd” LIVE @ Lincoln Center for PBS (Emmy Nominated); 66th/68th Annual Tony Awards; The Today Show. Bryonha is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. She received her training at Illinois Wesleyan University and holds a BFA in Music Theatre. Twitter/Instagram: @BryonhaMarie

MAX VON ESSEN (Marvin) is currently starring in the Broadway production of “Anastasia” as Gleb Vaganov. He is perhaps best known to audiences as Henri Baurel in the Award-winning production of “An American in Paris,” a role which earned him nominations for the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Grammy Awards. Other Broadway credits include the revivals of “Evita,” “Les Misérables” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” as well as “Dance of the Vampires” and the closing company of the original “Les Misérables.” Additional New York credits include “Yours Unfaithfully” for the Mint Theater, “Death Takes a Holiday” for the Roundabout Theatre Company, “The Jerry Springer Opera” at Carnegie Hall, “Hello Again” (Drama League nomination) for The Transport Group, “Finian’s Rainbow” for the Irish Repertory Theatre and many others. Tours include “Xanadu,” “Chicago” and “West Side Story.” Television and film credits include “Law & Order: SVU,” “Elementary,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Good Wife,” “Royal Pains,” “Gossip Girl,” “The Beautiful Life,” “The Intern,” “Seven Lovers,” “Sex and the City 2,” and the hit web series, “Submissions Only.” Max’s concert work has brought him across the country and Canada, including The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and a recent sold-out solo run at the famed Birdland Jazz Club in New York City. Recordings include “An American in Paris,” “Evita,” “Death Takes a Holiday,” “Finian's Rainbow,” “Love Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber” and “Broadway by the Year: 1928.” @maxizpad.