Manuel Exits The Times They Are A-Changin'; Standby Lisa Brescia Assumes Role

Caren Lyn Manuel has left the cast of the Broadway musical The Times They Are A-Changin', now in previews at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Standby Lisa Brescia will take over the role of Cleo effective immediately.

The Times They Are A-Changin' started previews on September 25 and is set to open on October 26. Brescia is the third actress cast in the part, which was originally played by Jenn Colella now starring in High Fidelity during its out-of-town run at the Old Globe Theatre.

Brescia was last seen on Broadway appearing in the ensemble and covering the role of Marian Halcombe in The Woman in White. She was also seen on the Great White Way as the final Princess Amneris in Aida, a role she also played on the national tour of the show, and in the 2000 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. Regionally, she's starred in Brigadoon, A Little Night Music and Actor, Lawyer, Indian Chief at Goodspeed.

Conceived, directed and choreographed by Tony winner Twyla Tharp, The Times They Are A-Changin' is set within a low-rent traveling circus run by Capt. Arab Thom Sesma, whose wagon hasn't moved from its location in some time—though not by lack of effort from his ragtag band of clowns and performers. One such performer is Cleo Brescia, a young woman exploited by Capt. Arab and loved by his son, Coyote Michael Arden. Coyote longs for a world outside the confines of the family business, and as the circus show plays out, he must decide whether to flee or stay, and if he does stay, how to inspire change within the troupe.

In addition to the above mentioned, the show stars Lisa Gajda, Neil Haskelll, Charlie Neshyba-Hodges, Jason McDole, Jonathan Nosan, John Selya and Ron Todorowski.