The upcoming world premiere of Charles Busch's Ibsen's Ghost: An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy has found its full cast, led by Busch himself as Suzannah Thoresen Ibsen, wife of the playwright. The new work will play George Street Playhouse in a co-production with Off-Broadway's Primary Stages beginning January 16, 2024, ahead of a January 19 opening night. The limited run will continue through February 4.
Joining Busch in the cast will be Thomas Gibson (Dharma & Greg) as Wolf Dahlquist, Jen Cody (Shrek The Musical) as Gerda, Christopher Borg (The Confession of Lily Dare) as George Elstad and The Rat Wife, Judy Kaye (Diana) as Magdalene Kragh Thoresen, and Jennifer Van Dyck (Hedda Gabler) as Hannah Solberg. Kate Hampton will round out the company as an understudy for Susannah. Casting is by McCorkle Casting.
Following the New Jersey run, the work will move Off-Broadway, playing 59E59 Theaters March 2-April 14, 2024.
The new work spins a tall tale about the wife of the Doll's House playwright, taking place the week after his funeral. Suddenly among her new predicaments are her husband's long-lost illegitimate son, a libelous so-called diary being shopped around by a former protégée, and a mysterious exterminator. Carl Andress (Still at Risk) is directing.
The production will feature scenic design by Shoko Kambara, costume design by Gregory Gale, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Jill BC Du Boff and Ien De Nio, and wig design by Bobbie Zlotnik. Avery Trunko is production stage manager.
Tickets are available at GeorgeStreetPlayhouse.org. Tickets for the Off-Broadway run are available at 59e59.org.