New Musical Dogfight, Starring Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena, Begins Off-Broadway Previews

The new musical Dogfight, starring Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena and based on the 1991 film of the same name, begins previews on June 27 at off-Broadway’s Second Stage Theatre. Dogfight is directed by Tony winner Joe Mantello and features music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, a book by Peter Duchan and choreography by Tony winner Christopher Gatelli. Opening night is set for July 16.

In addition to Mendez and Klena, the cast will also feature Annaleigh Ashford, Josh Segarra, Dierdre Friel, Becca Ayers, Steven Booth, Adam Halpin, F. Michael Haynie and James Moye.

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.