LaChanze, Ariana DeBose to Play Donna Summer in New Bio-Musical Summer

Tony winner LaChanze and Ariana DeBose will head the cast of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, a new musical that will run at La Jolla Playhouse November 7-December 17.

Written by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary, and Des McAnuff, the McAnuff-helmed production explores the life of the iconic and controversial singer-songwriter, and features three actresses in the title role: Storm Lever as "Duckling Donna," DeBose as "Disco Donna," and Tony winner LaChanze as "Diva Donna."

They will be joined by Mackenzie Bell as Giorgio, Kimberly Dodson as Dara/Amanda, Anissa Felix as Adult Mary Ellen, Drew Foster as Brian, Ari Groover as Ami, Afra Hines as Maid/Michael, Aaron Krohn as Neil, Jenny Laroche as Pastor/Norm, Wonu Ogunfowora as Mary Ellen/Brooklyn, Rebecca Riker as Bob/Don, Christina Robinson as Adult Dara, Ken Robinson as Andrew Gaines, Jessica Rush as Joyce, Kaye Tuckerman as Pete, and Jared Zirilli as Bruce Sudano, along with swings Aurelia Michael and Andra Caston.

The production features choreography by Sergio Trujillo, with musical supervision by Ron Melrose. The creative team includes Robert Brill (scenic designer), Paul Tazewell (costume designer), Howell Binkley (lighting designer), Gareth Owen (sound designer), Bill Brendle (orchestrations), Victoria Theodore (musical director/conductor), and Shirley Fishman (dramaturg).

For tickets and more information, click here.