Mare Winningham Set for New Duncan Sheik Musical Whisper House

Emmy Award winner Mare Winningham will star in the world premiere of Duncan Sheik and Kyle Jarrow's new musical Whisper House, scheduled to hit San Diego's Old Globe Theatre beginning January 13, 2010. The show, featuring music and lyrics by Sheik and book and additional lyrics by Jarrow, is directed by Peter Askin. The production opens January 21.

The follow-up to Sheik's Tony and Grammy Award winning Broadway hit Spring Awakening, Whisper House opens in 1942 at the height of World War II. The musical follows Christopher, an 11-year-old living with his Aunt Lilly in a haunted New England lighthouse following the death of his father. When Christopher begins to hear strange music seeping through the walls, is his imagination getting the best of him, or is he receiving warnings of the very real dangers that lie ahead?

Winningham, who will portray Aunt Lilly, joins previously announced cast members David Poe and Holly Brook, the tuner's singing ghosts, as well as Arthur Acuña as Yasuhiro, Kevin Hoffman as Lieutenant Rando, Ted Koch as Charles and Eric Brent Zutty as Christopher.

Winningham is best known for her extensive film and television resume, which includes an Academy Award nomination for Georgia and Emmy Awards for both Wallace and Amber Waves. Off-Broadway, she has been seen in 10 Million Miles. Whisper House reunites the actress with the Old Globe, where she previously appeared in The Glass Menagerie. The actress is currently co-starring in the world premiere of Bonnie and Clyde at La Jolla Playhouse.

Composer Sheik originally found success as a solo artist with the Billboard hit "Barely Breathing." His Spring Awakening earned him two Tony Awards. Librettist Jarrow's numerous writing credits include A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant, Armless, Love Kills and President Harding is a Rock Star.

The creative team for Whisper House includes choreography by Wesley Fata, scenic design by Michael Schweikardt, costumes by Jenny Mannis, lighting by Matt Richards and sound by Dan Moses Schreier.