LEMPICKA: The Musical - News & Discussion Thread

June 14 – July 24, 2022

Mandell Weiss Theatre

Book, Lyrics & Original Concept by Carson Kreitzer Book & Music by Matt Gould

Choreography by Raja Feather Kelly

Directed by Rachel Chavkin

A NEW MUSICAL – SEE IT HERE FIRST!

Amid the violence of the Russian Revolution, a young painter named Tamara de Lempicka and her aristocrat husband are forced to abandon their luxurious lifestyle and flee to the dubious safety of Paris. Relying on raw talent and relentless ambition, Tamara claws her way from penniless refugee to in-demand portraitist, earning a place among Parisian high society. Her world is upended once again when she meets Rafaela, a free spirit from the city slums, who introduces Tamara to a new world of decadence and passion. Torn between her new muse and her husband, and fighting to leave her mark on an ever-changing world, Tamara must discover the depths of her own strength to survive. Spanning decades of political turmoil and told through a thrilling, pop-infused score, Lempicka boldly explores the contradictions of a world in crisis, a woman ahead of her era, and an artist whose time has finally come.

Updated On: 7/2/22 at 07:35 PM

ashley0139 said: "I'm dying for a cast list to be officially announced. Eden of course, and it looks like Rafaela will be Amber Iman.

I'm so excited for this show. Hope I can make it to La Jolla to see it."

Fingers Crossed for Eden Espinosa - I would really like to see some Tony recognition for the woman who allowed Alan Menken to complete his EGOT...

The cast features George Abud as "Marinetti," Victor E. Chan as "Baron," Eden Espinosa(Broadway's Wicked) as "Tamara de Lempicka," Amber Iman (Broadway's Soul Doctor) as "Rafaela" (through July 10); Natalie Joy Johnson as "Suzy Solidor," Jacquelyn Ritz as "Baroness," Andrew Samonsky (Playhouse's The Hunchback of Notre Dame) as "Tadeusz Lempicki" and Jordan Tyson as "Kizette," along with ensemble members Leanne Antonio, Lauren Blackman, Leovina Charles, Milena J. Comeau, Michael Louis Cusimano, Alexa Jane Lowis, David Merino, Luke P. Monday, Devin L. Roberts, Ximone Rose (who will portray the role of "Rafaela" July 12 - 24); Morgan Nicholas Scott, Joey Taranto and Mariand Torres.

The creative team includes Riccardo Hernandez, Scenic Designer; Anita Yavich, Costume Designer; Bradley King, Lighting Designer; Justin Stasiw, Sound Designer; Peter Nigrini, Projection Designer; Remy Kurs, Music Supervisor; Cian McCarthy, Orchestrator; Peter Duchan, Script Consultant; Telsey + Company - Patrick Goodwin CSA and Jacole Kitchen, Casting; and Cody Renard Richard, Stage Manager.

youdontknowthisman said: "Cast looks great! Do we really think Eden Espinosa is going to make it vocally? Saw her residency before the pandemic and it was questionable to say the least..."

Not only that, her attitude about Broadway in general is very similar to Karen Olivo's if not more extreme.

LISTEN: Eden Espinosa Sings 'Woman Is' From the Original Cast Recording of LEMPICKA Video (broadwayworld.com)

This definitely showcases Espinosa's acting ability and vocal range, even if it feels a bit lyrically opaque out of context. I feel like she really deserves success with this...

I personally felt like this reminds me a bit of Starry, the Van Gogh concept musical album being developed for a full staged production. I get the Lempicka musical has been in development for a while, but it's probably no-coincidence we have two musicals about famous artists that use pop-rock styles of music to tell their stories and express their angst...

BritCrit said: "BritCrit said: "LISTEN: Eden Espinosa Sings 'Woman Is' From the Original Cast Recording of LEMPICKA Video (broadwayworld.com)

This definitely showcases Espinosa's acting ability and vocal range, even if it feels a bit lyrically opaque out of context. I feel like she really deserves success with this...

I personally felt like this reminds me a bit of Starry, the Van Gogh concept musical album being developed for a full staged production. I get the Lempicka musical has been in development for a while, but it's probably no-coincidence we have two musicals about famous artists that use pop-rock styles of music to tell their stories and express their angst..."

Thinking about it a bit further, I'm also getting vibes of Amelie, which flopped on Broadway but found success in the UK, enjoying a solid West End run in 2021. I wonder if there is something specific about French/Central European stories that attracts this musical approach..."

You do know Lempicka has already had a staged production which has pretty positive reviews, right?

Yes, it is a coincidence that two musicals about artists are in the world. There are many musicals about similar topics happening simultaneously at any given moment.

BritCrit said: "youdontknowthisman said: "Cast looks great! Do we really think Eden Espinosa is going to make it vocally? Saw her residency before the pandemic and it was questionable to say the least..."

Do you mean her concerts or previous productions? Espinosa is an excellent singer and a pretty solid actress...

W/ regards to her extremely outspoken support of Karen Olivio & criticism of Broadway's institutional problems, I don't mind that at all. I would love to see her originate a role for the first time since BKLYN..."

She is known for being an activist and against a lot of practices regarding casting, inclusivity, etc. She also became unreliable with a lot of commitments she had.

Good for her for trying again with this, but wouldn't be surprised if she starts stirring the pot or become her extremely conflictive self throughout.

OhHiii said: "blaxx said: "BritCrit said: "youdontknowthisman said: "Good for her for trying again with this, but wouldn't be surprised if she starts stirring the pot or become her extremely conflictive self throughout."

You seem to have some sort of hangup with her..."trying again with this"? She's been working consistently for years since BKLYN, just not on Broadway. Theater exists beyond the boundaries of Times Square.

And as we've been aware of and has been brought more to light through activism like that of Karen* and Eden, Broadway is a grueling, cruel industry. And their speaking out about it is both justified, and a reason they've stayed away from it for periods at a time. Weird to me that you blame Eden for her "conflictive self" when her "conflicts" have been centered around proper treatment of the Broadway workforce.

*I understand that many stories are out there about Karen, particularly around her time in WSS, but narratives are narratives and they're created by people who have larger platforms to do so (Michael Reidel comes to mind). The point, being outspoken about the very real institutional problems in the Broadway industry is not reason to dismiss a person's (critically-praised) work in a new musical."

I don't mean to dismiss her talents, I think she's tremendous. I just wonder, like Olivo, if her leading a musical like this can go along with their unpredictability and volatility.

Anyone attend the first preview last night?

Has anyone seen this? I'm so curious how the show has evolved since Williamstown, particularly the design elements.

Not the look I was expecting. I thought it was going to be more of a period piece.

RippedMan said: "Not the look I was expecting. I thought it was going to be more of a period piece."

If you're responding to the clothes, the first picture is from the finale, which takes place in the 70s. The other picture is from the 1930s, where the bulk of the show is set.