Robert Cuccioli to Star in Broadway-Bound Musical Angels

Angels, a new musical based on Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost, is eyeing a Broadway debut during the 2008-2009 season, starring Tony Award nominee Robert Cuccioli, Jessica Grové and Nicholas Rodriguez. Richard Fowler will direct a cast of 24 in the show, which will have a pre-Broadway engagement at the Strand Theatre in Shreveport, Louisiana, from August 29 through September 13.

Written by the Australian team of Ken Lai book, music and lyrics and Marcus Cheong book and lyrics, Angels is described as a timeless tale of a good versus evil, set during an ancient war between the Angels and Lucifer's fallen minions. A young angel, Sera Grové, has the power to control light, but aspires to a more heroic calling. She's manipulated by Lucifer Cuccioli, a betrayal that turns tragic for the Angels, and Sera must find the courage and power to defeat her nemesis.

Angels was imagined by Lai a budding aeronautical engineer and Cheong an architecture graduate when the two were students at University of Sydney in 1998. Angels received a 2006 workshop production at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The new production will feature what a news release calls "spectacular aerial choreography, unprecedented on Broadway."

Cuccioli is best known for his Tony Award-nominated performance in the title roles of Jekyll & Hyde and appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables. His off-Broadway credits include Jacques Brel Is Alive and Living in Paris, And the World Goes 'Round and The Rothschilds. He has also headlined numerous productions at the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey.

Grové comes to Angels fresh from her appearance this year in the Tony Award-nominated revival of Sunday in the Park with George and has appeared on Broadway in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Les Miserables. Rodriguez appeared last year in Tarzan.

Rouding out cast of Angels is Todd Buonopane, Kevin T. Collins, Kerri Jill Garbis, Trey Gillen, Alan H. Green, Brittney Lee Hamilton, Holly Heiser, Tim Hunter, Erica Jacob, Kolina Janneck, Melina Kalomas, Erin Kruse, Brian Mathis, Adam Monley, Kathleen Elizabeth Monteleone, Ellie Mooney, Ron Nahass, Shane Rhoades, Caesar Samayoa, Rena Strober, Molly Tynes, Kevin Vortmann and Eric William Whitehead.

The design team will includes Skip Mercier Scenic & Costume Design, Lightswitch New York Lighting Design & Projection Design, Bernard Fox Sound Design, Lynne Hockney Choreography, Christopher D. Littlefield Musical Director, Julie McBride Associate Musical Director, TDH Media Video Projection Content Design, ZFX, Inc. Flying Effects, Bettie Rogers Hair Design, and J&M Special Effects Special Effects.

Angels is produced by Marcus Cheong, Frank Monteleone and Dale Smith.