New York City
Hitmakers Kid Creole and the Coconuts will debut their new musical off-Broadway.
Cherchez La Femme, a new musical inspired by the 1976 pop song and its author, Kid Creole, will make its world premiere at La MaMa this May. Performances begin May 20 in advance of a May 23 opening at the Ellen Stewart Theatre.
Directed by Angie Kristic with choreography by Kyndra Reevey (Pitch Perfect), Cherchez La Femme features a book by August Darnell (aka Kid Creole) and Vivien Goldman, and music by Stony Browder, Jr. and August Darnell. The score includes the iconic title song (from Dr. Buzzard’s Original Svannah Band) as well as other hits by Kid Creole and the Coconuts, such as "Annie, I'm Not Your Daddy," "Stool Pigeon," "Endicott," and "I'm a Wonderful Thing Baby," along with new compositions.
Set in New York City and the Caribbean in the 1980s, Cherchez La Femme traces the fortunes of August Darnell as his band Kid Creole and the Coconuts rose to sudden fame. The musical is described as "the story of a man, his music, and the powerful women who made it possible."
The cast includes Jacira Araujo (Addie), Aja Downing (Ensemble), Isaac Gay (Caufy Keeps), Chrisopher Hanford (Ensemble), Kristina Hanford (L.A./Lemon Drop), Julius Hollingsworth(Ensemble), Traci Michelle (Doris), Molly Mccloskey (Lilikoi/Lemon Drop), CB Murray (Stingy Brim), Julia Neveu (Ulrike/Ensemble), Antonio Rowland (Ensemble), Carey Segal (Ensemble/Dance Captain), Nerses Stamos (Benny the doorman), Jenna Velichko (Hilde /Lemon Drop), and Skyler Volpe (Deliciosa). Adriana Kaegi lends costume design.