Casting Announced for Free Concerts of Paul Simon's The Capeman in Central Park

Casting has been unveiled for The Public Theater’s previously-announced concert presentation of Paul Simon’s The Capeman, scheduled for three performances at the Delacorte Theater running August 14 through 16. Directed by Tony-nominated Hair helmer Diane Paulus, the dark musical features music by Simon, book and lyrics by Simon and Derek Walcott, choreography by Sergio Trujillo and Grammy Award winner Oscar Hernadez heading a 12-piece orchestra. In keeping with The Public’s Shakespeare in the Park spirit at the Delacorte, all performances of The Capeman will be free.

The Capeman will features Obie Bermudez as Umbrella Man; Natascia Diaz as Esmerelda Agron; Nicole Lequerica as Aurea Agron; Jorge Maldonado as Reverend Gonzalez; Luba Mason as Mrs. Krzesinski; Anthony Lee Medina as Young Sal; Elan Luz Rivera as Bernadette; and Abraham Rodriguez as Santero. The ensemble will include Bryan Anthony, Xavier Cano, Myrna Lee Gomila, Nina LaFarga, Omar Lopez-Cepero, Cornell McKnight, Frankie Negron, Luis Salgado, and Tanairi Vasquez. Diaz, Mason, Gomila, Negron and Rivera appeared in the original production of The Capeman on Broadway; Mason and Gomila are reprising their roles from that production. The leading role of Sal will be announced shortly.

The true story of Salvador Agron, a Nuyorican street gang member whose story exploded on to the front pages of the tabloids in 1959, The Capeman opened at the Marquis Theatre on January 29, 1998 after a troubled eight-week long preview period that saw show doctor Jerry Zaks joining the creative team, bringing major changes with him. Recording star Marc Anthony made his Broadway debut in the show as young Sal, with Ruben Blades playing his older counterpart. Although it ran only 68 performances, the show was nominated for three 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Original Score.

The show will feature scenic consultation by Riccardo Hernandez; costume design by Emilio Sosa; lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski; and sound design by Acme Sound Partners. The Public production has also announced that Puerto Rican vocalist and recording artist Danny Rivera will cap the show with a nightly encore.