Complete Casting Announced for Off-Bway's Henry and Mudge

The New York premiere of the new musical Henry and Mudge will star Jennifer Cody, Patrick Boll, Joseph A. Morales, Joan Hess and Todd Buonopane. The family-friendly Theatreworks/USA production will start performances on December 13 at off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre, and run through January 20, with opening night set for December 17.

Based on the children's book series by Cynthia Rylant, Henry and Mudge tells the story of Henry Morales, who has a tough time transitioning when his family moves from the city to the country. He misses Annie Cody, his cousin and best friend, and can't find a playmate in his new neighborhood, until Mom Hess and Dad Boll get him a great, big, slobberly dog, Mudge Buonopane. It looks like Henry and Mudge will be best friends forever, until Annie arrives for a visit. Will Annie come between a boy and his dog? Can a kid have two best friends? The musical features book and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan and music and lyrics by Brian Lowdermilk and will be directed by Peter Flynn.

Cody last appeared on Broadway in The Pajama Game. Other Broadway credits include Urinetown, Taboo, Seussical and Grease.

Boll most recently appeared on Broadway as Ralph Fiennes' standby in Faith Healer. Other Broadway credits include Twentieth Century, Hedda Gabler, Tom Sawyer and Death of a Salesman.

Morales most recently appeared in the national tour of Bombay Dreams.

Hess has appeared in the Broadway ensembles of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Bells Are Ringing, Kiss Me, Kate and Crazy for You.

Buonopane recently made his Broadway debut in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He has also appeared off-Broadway in The Butter and Egg Man and earned a Barrymore Award nomination for his performance at the Prince Music Theatre in Gemini: The Musical.

Devanand Janki will choreograph the production, which will have scenic design by Paul Weimer, costume design by Rob Bevenger, lighting design by Jeff Croiter and sound design by Eric Shim.