Lindsay Mendez, Annaleigh Ashford, Derek Klena & More to Star in Second Stage’s Dogfight

Lindsay Mendez (Godspell) and Derek Klena (Carrie) will star in the previously announced world premiere musical Dogfight at off-Broadway's Second Stage Theatre. Based on the 1991 Warner Bros. film of the same name, Dogfight will be directed by Tony winner Joe Mantello and feature music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, a book by Peter Duchan and choreography by Christopher Gatelli. Previews for the new musical begin on June 27, with an official opening set for July 16.

The cast will also feature Annaleigh Ashford (Rent, Wicked), Josh Segarra (Lysistrata Jones), Dierdre Friel (Leap of Faith), Becca Ayers (The Addams Family), Steven Booth (Glory Days), Adam Halpin (Glory Days), F. Michael Haynie (Carrie) and James Moye (Million Dollar Quartet).

Set on November 21, 1963, Dogfight follows three young Marines on the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia. The trio sets out for one last boys’ night of debauchery, partying, and maybe a little trouble. When Corporal Eddie Birdlace (Klena) meets Rose (Mendez), an awkward and idealistic waitress, he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits. Rose however rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of compassion. The film, which features a screenplay by Bob Comfort, starred River Phoenix as Eddie and Lili Taylor as Rose.

Dogfight will feature scenic and costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Paul Gallo, sound design by Fitz Patton, hair design by Josh Marquette and make-up design by Ashley Ryan. Bryan Perris will serve as music director and orchestrations are by Michael Starobin.