Lempicka, currently running at California's La Jolla Playhouse, officially opens June 25 after beginning previews June 14. The biomusical will complete its run at the regional theatre July 24.
Eden Espinosa stars as Tamara de Lempicka opposite Amber Iman as Rafaela. Iman will play the role through July 10, and will be succeeded by ensemble member Ximone Rose in the role for performances July 12–24. The cast also features George Abud as Marinetti, Victor E. Chan as Baron, Natalie Joy Johnson as Suzy Solidor, Jacquelyn Ritz as Baroness, Andrew Samonsky as Tadeusz Lempicki and Jordan Tyson as Kizette.
Included in the ensemble are Leanne Antonio, Lauren Blackman, Leovina Charles, Milena J. Comeau, Michael Louis Cusimano, Alexa Jane Lowis, David Merino, Luke P. Monday, Devin L. Roberts, Morgan Nicholas Scott, Joey Taranto, and Mariand Torres.
The show follows young aristocrat-turned-artist Tamara de Lempicka, who flees with her husband from the turmoil of the Russian Revolution to go into exile in Paris. Once there, Tamara meets her new muse, Rafaela, and claws her way to success. Lempicka features a book, lyrics and original concept by Carson Kreitzer, book and music by Matt Gould, and choreography by Raja Feather Kelly.
“Lempicka tells the story of a woman who defiantly sets her own course amid the political turmoil and cultural repression of 1920s Europe, and I cannot wait to see this stellar company share her fascinating journey on our stage,” says La Jolla Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley in a statement.
WATCH: Eden Espinosa Sings 'Woman Is' in New Single From Upcoming Lempicka Cast Album
Tony-winning director Rachel Chavkin helms the production, which features scenic design by Riccardo Hernandez, costume design by Anita Yavich, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Justin Stasiw, projection design by Peter Nigrini, music supervision by Remy Kurs, orchestrations by Cian McCarthy, and script consulting by Peter Duchan. Casting is by Telsey + Company's Craig Burns and Jacole Kitchen. Cody Renard Richardwill serve as stage manager.
Lempicka originally made its world premiere at Williamstown in 2018. The work's transfer to La Jolla was originally announced in 2019, with a spring 2020 run set. Due to the pandemic, the run was postponed to fall 2022.
For tickets and more information, visit LaJollaPlayhouse.org.
