Full cast unveiled for world premiere of The Pianist musical in Southampton
The full company has been announced for the world premiere of The Pianist, a new musical adaptation of Władysław Szpilman’s memoir. The production, written and directed by Thom Southerland, will open at Mayflower Studios, Southampton, before transferring to London’s Park Theatre.
The Pianist musical, based on the memoir that inspired Roman Polanski’s Oscar-winning film, will premiere at Mayflower Studios, Southampton, from 9 to 12 September. It will then move to the Park Theatre in London for a run from 15 October to 28 November. Daniel Krikler leads as Szpilman, the Polish composer and Holocaust survivor, with a cast of actor-musicians performing original compositions and new arrangements by Simon Lee.
The cast includes Rosalind Ford as Mother, Oliver Grant as Hosenfeld, TJ Holmes as Father, Mischa Jardine as Janina, Elżbieta Kalicka as Regina, Nitai Levi as Henryk, Melania Maggiore as Halina, and Max Roll as Gimpel/Majorek, supported by ensemble members Oliver Magor and Erin Rowlatt.
Southerland emphasised the search for performers “who are not only outstanding actors, but accomplished musicians and truly versatile storytellers” to meet the production’s unique demands. He expressed excitement to begin rehearsals with what he called an “exceptional” company.
New lyrics have been created by an international team including two-time Grammy nominee Carol Connors, songwriter David Batteau, jazz singer Wendy Lands, Jim Gillard, Grammy-nominated Michael Ruff, Szpilman’s son Andreas Szpilman, and award-winning lyricist Marcy Heisler.
The creative team features choreography and movement direction by Karen Bruce, set and video design by Andrzej Goulding, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, lighting by Robbie Butler, and sound design by Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound. Malcolm Forbes-Peckham serves as musical director, with assistant direction by Josh Whatsize.
Casting was managed by Ginny Schiller with assistance from Ben Armstrong. DEM Productions provides executive producing and general management. The production promises to explore the cultural life of pre-war Warsaw and its wartime devastation with a focus on Szpilman’s story of humanity, resilience, and hope.
