Full casting announced for Dessa Rose at Trafalgar Studios 2

Full casting has been announced for Dessa Role at Trafalgar Studios 2.

The production stars Cynthia Erivo (I Can’t Sing/The Color Purple) alongside Cassidy Janson (Avenue Q/ Wicked, pictured right). Dessa Rose runs between Tuesday 29th July and Saturday 30th August 2014.

The cast also includes: John Addison, Edward Baruwa, Sharon Benson, Alexander Evans, Cameron Leigh, Fela Lufadeju, Gabriel Mokake, Abiona Omonua and Jon Robyns.

Dessa Rose is based on the book by Sherley Anne Williams with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Once On This Island, Seussical, Rocky The Musical).

This powerful and moving story, set in 1846 in the ante-bellum South, follows two young women on their journey to acceptance. With elements of blues, folk, hymns and gospel, Dessa Rose perfectly blends history and fiction. 

Passionate and innocent Dessa Rose is a young slave faced with a barrage of hardships because of the colour of her skin. While Ruth, a young white mother, faces difficulties because of her gender. Through this extraordinary tale Ruth and Dessa discover the value of unconditional friendship and establish a deep and lasting bond.

Read our interviews with Cynthia Erivo, Cassidy Janson and Jon Robyns

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