Louis Armstrong Bio-Musical A Wonderful World to Make World Premiere in Miami

A new musical based on the life of music legend Louis Armstrong will arrive on stage in Miami Beach, Florida this spring. Titled A Wonderful World, the musical will play a world premiere engagement at Miami New Drama from March 5 through April 5.

Directed by Tony nominee Christopher Renshaw (The King and I, Taboo) and choreographed by Rickey Tripp (Once on This Island), A Wonderful World features a book by Aurin Squire (This Is Us) and songs recorded and made popular by Armstrong, arranged and orchestrated by Annastasia Victory and Michael O. Mitchell.

Told from the perspective of the women in Armstrong's life, A Wonderful World charts Armstrong's journey from the birth of jazz in his native New Orleans through his international stardom. The musical also focuses on the complex history of race in America, leading up to the Civil Rights era.

One of the most influential figures in jazz, Armstrong's career spanned five decades, from the 1920s to the '60s. He is known for soulful renditions of "Cheek to Cheek," "Makin' Whoopee," "Everybody Loves My Baby," "Blueberry Hill," "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "What a Wonderful World." Theater fans also remember him for a memorable turn singing the title song in the 1969 film adaptation of Hello, Dolly!

The cast of A Wonderful World will be headed by Juson Williams (The Fortress of Solitude) as Armstrong, with Dionne Figgins as Daisy Parker, Lana Gordon as Lil Harden, Nicole Henry as Alpha Smith, Darlene Hope as Lucille Wilson, Gavin Gregory as King Joe Oliver, Stephen G. Anthony as Joe Glaser, DeWitt Fleming Jr. as Stepin' Fetchit, and Michael Mckeever as Johnny Collins.

The ensemble will feature Kareema Khouri Castro, Lindsey Corey, Jamal Christopher Douglas, Khadijah Rolle, Traci Elaine Lee, James A. Pierce III, Ben Sandomir, Dori Waymer, Shanna L. Woods and trumpeter Yasmin Mustafa.

Rounding out the creative team will be scenic designer Adam Koch, costume designer Ari Fulton, lighting designer Cory Pattak and sound designer Kai Harada.