Cast for ”Lizzie” musical at the Hope Mill Theatre revealed

Hope Mill Theatre has announced the cast for their upcoming production of the punk rock musical Lizzie, which will premiere in Manchester this September before touring.

The musical explores the life of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892. With music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner, and a book by Tim Maner, Lizzie delves into Lizzie’s complex psyche and speculates on the motivations she may have had.

Lauren Drew (SIX, Legally Blonde, The Voice) will take on the titular role of Lizzie Borden, with Maiya Quansah-Breed (SIX, Rent) as Alice, Shekinah McFarlane (SIX, Parade, The Voice) as Emma, and Mairi Barclay (Pippin, Mother Goose) as Bridget.

The show has been seen in over 60 cities, in six countries, in five languages, across four continents. Choreographer and director William Whelton said: “I am thrilled to share our exceptional cast for Lizzie. As a huge fan of both true crime and musicals, I am extremely excited to bring together these worlds in this audacious and heartfelt rock musical. To then have these amazingly talented women and powerhouse vocalists on board to bring this show to life, is truly a dream come true and I can’t wait to blow the roof off the Hope Mill Theatre!”

The musical will have set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, associate choreography by Yandass Ndlovu, and casting by Pearson Casting CDG CDA CSA. Further creative team members are yet to be announced.

Lizzie will run from Friday 1 to Saturday 30 September 2023 at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. Tour dates are yet to be revealed.