Megan Reinking has replaced Mean Girls star Kate Rockwell for the entirety of the world-premiere run of The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation, which will begin previews September 13 at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre.
Reinking, formerly the alternate for the role of Ellen Griswold, is now stepping into the part to allow Rockwell, who is expecting her first child in October, to prepare for the birth with her family.
“To steal from the great Hunter Foster: the theatre is all about family. And now it’s time for me to go home and put my energy into my own family, which will be growing in just a few weeks,” said Rockwell in a statement on her Instagram. “I’m so excited that the spectacular Megan Reinking will be taking over the role of Ellen here in Seattle. She’s been by my side—literally—for the past few months, supporting me and laughing with me, and she’s going to be fabulous in the show.”
The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation, based on the film franchise and featuring a book, music, and lyrics by The Other Josh Cohen writing team David Rossmer and Steve Rosen, will officially open September 22.
The cast also features Foster (The Bridges of Madison County, Little Shop of Horrors) as Clark Griswold, Livvy Marcus as Audrey Griswold, and Nathan Levy as Rusty Griswold with Jay Klaitz as Cousin Eddie and Alan H. Green as Naked Commando.
The company also includes Carol Angeli, Sydni Beaudoin, Sarah Bishop, Lindsay Nicole Chambers, Jennifer Cody, Merritt David Janes, Julian DeGuzman, Rohit Gopal, Olivia Griffin, Garett Hawe, Jaygee Macapugay, Heather Makalani, Jennifer Noble, Michael Olaribigbe, Julio Rey, Jody Reynard, Matthew Sims, Jr., Jonathan Wagner, and Brandon Whitmore with swings Connor Russell and Brenna Mikale Wagner.
Donna Feore directs and choreographs, leading a creative team including scenic designer Jason Sherwood, lighting designer Jeff Croiter, sound designer Kai Harada, costume designer Tina McCartney, and hair and wig designer Liz Printz. Musical supervision is by Greg Anthony Rassen, with music arrangements by Glen Kelly and additional arrangements by Rassen.
Produced in association with Ken Davenport and Sandi Moran, The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation was previously scheduled to play Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, Texas, after the Seattle world premiere, but canceled the engagement citing the "rising cost of materials." A Broadway bow is in Davenport and Moran's plans for the project.
