Stephanie J. Block & Will Chase to Star in Little Miss Sunshine Musical at Second Stage Theatre

The Mystery of Edwin Drood Tony nominees Stephanie J. Block and Will Chase will reunite in the new musical adaptation of Little Miss Sunshine at off-Broadway’s Second Stage Theatre. Helmed by book-writer James Lapine and featuring music and lyrics by William Finn, the previously announced production will begin performances October 15. Opening night is scheduled for a yet-to-be determined date in mid-November. No additional casting has been announced.

In Little Miss Sunshine, Chase will play Richard Hoover, an aspiring motivational speaker, while Block will play his wife Sheryl, the backbone of the family. Little Miss Sunshine tells the story of a family who takes an 800-mile journey for the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Along the way, a series of mishaps threatens to derail the group’s quest for the crown, until they realize a young girl’s far-fetched goal may actually hold the key to the family’s happiness.

Block garnered her first Tony nomination for her portrayal of the title role in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Her additional Broadway credits include The Boy From Oz, Wicked, The Pirate Queen, 9 to 5 and Anything Goes.

In addition to his Tony-nominated turn in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (also his first nomination), Chase’s Broadway credits include Miss Saigon, Rent, Aida, The Full Monty, Lennon, High Fidelity, Billy Elliot: The Music, The Story of My Life and Nice Work If You Can Get It. His film and TV credits include Smash, The Good Wife, The Lost Valentine and Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway.

Little Miss Sunshine will feature scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Jennifer Caprio, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Jon Weston, choreography by Michele Lynch and music direction by Vadim Feichtner.