Casting announced for Roy Orbison musical In Dreams

Casting has been revealed for the forthcoming Luke Sheppard (& Juliet) helmed new musical In Dreams , at Leeds Playhouse this summer.

The show was first announced late last year, and features music legend Roy Orbison’s most iconic songs.

In Dreams will run from 3 July to 5 August 2023 at Leeds Playhouse.

Broadway star and Tony Award-winner Lena Hall (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), stars in the lead role of Kenna, alongside West End star Oliver Tompsett (Wicked, & Juliet, We Will Rock You), who is currently starring in Pretty Woman at the Savoy Theatre in London, as Ramsey.

The show also features Manuel Pacific (West Side Story, City of Angels) as restaurant owner Oscar; Gabriela García (A Streetcar Named Desire, West Side Story) as Oscar’s long-time girlfriend Nicole; Sian Reese-Williams (Craith, Emmerdale) as Jane; Noël Sullivan (Hear’Say, School of Rock) as Donovan; Alma Cuervo as Ana Sofia; Richard Trinder as George; Leon Craig as Tom; and further casting to be announced.

The show is written by Emmy and Golden Globe-winner David West Read, who was a writer and Executive Producer on Schitt’s Creek, and wrote & Juliet.

The story centres on the former lead singer of a country rock band who, at a critical moment in her life, throws a party in a family-run Mexican restaurant to reconnect with old friends, while keeping her deeper motivations a secret.

Alongside David West Read and Luke Sheppard in the creative team is Choreographer Fabian Aloise (Evita, Bring It On, Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder); Set Design by Arnulfo Maldonado (A Strange Loop); Costume Design by Fay Fullerton (Mandela, The Drifters Girl); Lighting Design by Howard Hudson (& Juliet); Musical Supervisor Catherine Jayes (The Color Purple); Sound Designer Tom Marshall; Musical Director Patrick Hurley; Video Designer George Reeve; Casting Director Annelie Powell CDG; Stephen Kopel Casting Director (US). Their associates include: Tania Azevedo; Associate Director; Paris Green Associate Choreographer; Oscar Escobedo Associate Designer (US); Verity Sadler Associate Designer (UK); Laura Hunt Costume Supervisor; Callum Wills Sound Associate; and Alice Walters Casting Assistant.

Director Luke Sheppard said: “This show is a celebration of the power of people coming together, and what an incredible cast we have joining us to do just that. With extraordinary talent from both sides of the Atlantic, this company are going to lift the roof of Leeds Playhouse with music and laughter. It’s a privilege to have them join us and I can’t wait to get started.”

Leeds Playhouse CEO and Artistic Director James Brining said: “What an honour to have such talented and experienced performers from the West End and Broadway here at the Playhouse for this exciting world premiere. We pride ourselves on producing exceptional musical theatre and we are building a reputation for showcasing world-class musicals here in Leeds. In Dreams will be an incredible feel-good musical that will speak to the experiences of a huge amount of people on the universal themes of love, loss and the legacy we leave behind. Roy Orbison’s music is so beloved around the world that, when it’s teamed with this amazing company, audiences are guaranteed a wonderful evening out. This production promises to be very special indeed”