Today, producers Sandi Moran and Ken Davenport announced that JOY: A New True Musical, based on the life of trailblazing businesswoman and inventor Joy Mangano, will begin previews at the Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre (111 West 46th Street) on Saturday, June 21 with an opening night set for Sunday, July 20. The powerful and uplifting new musical with a book by Tony winner Ken Davenport, music and lyrics by GRAMMY and Tony Award nominee AnnMarie Milazzo, choreography by Emmy Award winner Joshua Bergasse, and directed by Lorin Latarro, will star Tony Award nominee Betsy Wolfe as ‘Joy.’
“I am beyond thrilled that JOY is opening in NYC this summer,” said Joy Mangano. “This musical will excite everyone who experiences it! Betsy radiates joy in every way, and I’m honored she’s going to be the driving force of inspiring others with my story in this production. The music will keep you singing even after you leave!"
“Joy is the fighter, the unsung hero in all of us. At a time where women were often left to stifle dreams, her love for her family led her to do something extraordinary and shows us all what it looks like to believe in yourself,” said Betsy Wolfe.
Pre-sale tickets to JOY: A New True Musical will be available exclusively to members of the priority list starting Thursday, February 20. To sign up, please visit www.joythemusical.com.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public starting Tuesday, February 25 at www.joythemusical.com or by calling (212) 719-1300.
Complete casting for JOY: A New True Musical will be announced soon. Sign up at www.joythemusical.com for additional information.
JOY: A New True Musical is an uplifting work based on the true story of Ms. Mangano, the inventor behind the Miracle Mop. Her journey—also told in the 2015 film JOY, starring Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence—now comes to life on stage. From single motherhood and financial struggles to building a business empire, Joy’s story epitomizes the power of resilience and determination, an inspiring celebration of a woman who never gave up and redefined the American Dream!
The creative team for JOY: A New True Musical includes Tony Award nominee Anna Louizos (Scenic Design), Tina McCartney (Costume Design), Tony Award Winner Kai Harada and Haley Parcher (Sound Design), Tony Award nominee David Bengali (Projection and Video Design), Darion Matthews (Hair and Wig Design), Andy Einhorn (Music Supervisor), Jillian Zack (Music Director), Christine D’Amore (Production Stage Manager), with ShowTown Theatricals serving as general manager.
In addition to Moran and Davenport, JOY: A New True Musical is also co-produced by TBD Theatricals, Christine Petti, Jonathan & Rae Corr, Scott Abrams, Adam Riemer, Christine G. Williamson, Sheri & Les Biller, Michael T. Cohen & Robin Reinach, Ashley Howe, Marco Santarelli, Mark Jacobs, Sara Miller McCune, Megan Ann Rasmussen, and Larry & Robin Kaufman. Last month, Milazzo released “The Shape of Things: Songs From Joy The Musical,” a concept album inspired by JOY: A New True Musical on Joy Machine Records.
Written and performed by Milazzo, produced by Sonny Paladino, and with music supervision by Andy Einhorn, the digital album is available for streaming HERE.
Additionally, the music video for “The Shape of Things” performed by Milazzo is now available HERE.
Though it is being performed at The Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, JOY: A New True Musical is not a Roundabout Theatre Company production.