Casting for Royal Exchange A Little Night Music
Almost-legendary Mancunian choreographer Arlene Phillips (Hot Gossip, Strictly Come Dancing, Starlight Express, We Will Rock You) will choreograph Stephen Sondheim's musical A Little NIght Music at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre this Christmas (December 5-January 30).
The theatre has announced the full cast for the Send in the Clowns show, the penultimate production of its landmark 50th anniversary season.
Leading the company will be celebrated Scottish actress Michelle Gomez as Desiree Armfeldt, the glamorous, ageing actress, alongside award-winning actor Michael D Xavier as suitor Fredrik Egerman.
The musical is a life-affirming fairy tale for adults; mismatched couples waltz through a series of self-delusions in search of a happy ending on the notes of Sondheim’s magical songs, including the aforementioned masterpiece.
Royal Exchange artistic director Selina Cartmell - who will direct the show - said, “Ahead of the 50th anniversary (on September 15), it feels hugely special to announce the cast for A Little Night Music, a musical that also came to life over 50 years ago.
"Sondheim is a familiar and much-loved place to return to, and his genre-defining work continues to surprise, delight and enthral audiences to this day - much like the Royal Exchange has, across 400 productions since 1976.
"I can’t think of a more fitting way to end this milestone year than by welcoming artistic collaborators and friends old and new to create this breathtaking musical comedy.”
Michelle Gomez’s extensive credits include Doctor Who, for which she received a BAFTA TV nomination for her role as Missy. Her performances include Channel 4's Green Wing and The Book Group, and on stage her credits include Boeing Boeing and Sleep With Me at the National Theatre;
The Master Builder, The Taming of the Shrew for the RSC and Trainspotting, in which she played all four female roles.
Alongside her as Fredrik Egerman is award-winning and two-time Olivier nominee Michael D Xavier, who is known for both Broadway and West End roles in the likes of Sunset Boulevard (London and Broadway) opposite Glenn Close, which won him the Broadway World award for best actor in a musical. His TV credits include Gentleman Jack and The Blacklist.
The pair will be joined by Gillian Bevan, who returns to the Exchange following her performance in Hamlet, to play grande dame Madame Armfeldt.
The creative team will include music supervisor and orchestrator Matthew Malone - most recently at the theatre for Fun Home; Arlene Phillips - in her Exchange debut; award-winning designer Francis O’Connor, and Tony- and Olivier-winning Mark Henderson as lighting designer.
More info and tickets here
