Alison Luff, Constantine Maroulis to Lead Cast of World Premiere Musical ‘Breaking Through’

Alison Luff. – Courtesy Photo

The Pasadena Playhouse (Artistic Director Sheldon Epps) announced that Alison Luff (Broadway: Matilda the Musical, Scandalous, GHOST the Musical, Mamma Mia!), and Constantine Maroulis (Broadway: Rock of Ages, Jekyll & Hyde, The Wedding Singer, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), will lead the cast of Breaking Through, a world premiere musical, with book by Kirsten Guenther, and music and lyrics by Cliff Downs and Katie Kahanovitz. The production is choreographed by Tyce Diorio and directed by Sheldon Epps. Preview performances begin Oct. 27, 2015 with the official press opening on Nov. 1, 2015 at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena).
The creative team for Breaking Through includes John Iacovelli (Set Designer), Alex Jaeger (Costume Designer), Jared Sayeg (Lighting Designer), Peter Fitzgerald (Sound Designer), and Kaitlyn Pietras (Projection Designer).

Breaking Through is told through the eyes of a young, talented singer/songwriter, as she tries to navigate the treacherous shark-filled waters of the music business. She embarks on a compelling journey to find her way back to her authentic self and in the process rediscovers the music that truly makes her alive. Breaking Through features a score by Emmy award-winning songwriter and producer Cliff Downs (“The Voice,” “American Idol,”), and Katie Kahanovitz (Girls Night Out Pop Radio), with a book by Kirsten Guenther (Mrs. Sharp, 2008 Richard Rodgers Award-winner; the upcoming Benny and Joon). Breaking Through originated as a Hothouse staged reading at The Pasadena Playhouse. Launched in 2005, Hothouse is the signature new play development program at The Pasadena Playhouse.

Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The Pasadena Playhouse, says, “I am delighted that Alison and Constantine will be making this voyage of discovery with the creative team as we mount the premiere of this new musical which I believe holds great promise. They both have the requisite combination of musical and dramatic skills that will bring their roles and indeed the entire show to great life. I know that they will both provide inspiring energy and creativity to the entire company, who will be fully supported in their efforts by my gifted design team.”

Alison Luff (Charlie Jane) – is currently playing the role of Miss Honey in Broadway’s Matilda. Prior to Matilda she spent the year staring as Elphaba on the 1st National tour of Wicked. Her Original Broadway credits include Scandalous and GHOST the Musical. Alison was also part of the Broadway and Nat’l Tour company of Mamma Mia! She has received a Denver Post Ovation award for Best Supporting Actress in a musical for her portrayal as Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Theatre Aspen and was also nominated this year for a Henry award for her portrayal of Jo March in Little Women at Theatre Aspen. She is also currently working with singer/songwriter and writing partner Josh Franklin on her original, debut solo album. twitter/Instagram: AlisonLuff.

Constantine Maroulis. – Courtesy Photo

Constantine Maroulis (Scorpio) – A Brooklyn born actor/musician/producer Constantine Maroulis is best known for his Tony-nominated performance as Drew, the shy wannabe rocker, in the Broadway smash hit Rock of Ages, as well as his appearance on the wildly popular television series “American Idol.” Constantine’s other Broadway credits include the Broadway Revival and Tour of Jekyll & Hyde with Deborah Cox, and The Wedding Singer. Off-Broadway/Regional credits include The Toxic Avenger, Jaques Brel, Macbeth, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Constantine can also be seen on the Amazon series “Mozart in the Jungle” as the recurring character of Oedipus, and in other television series such as “Unforgettable,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Law & Order,” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Maroulis is the Spokesman for “Rockstar Mickey Mouse” for Mattel/Disney and the hilarious Soap Opera spoof campaign for the new home line for Lazyboy with Brooke Shields. Constantine will be one of the headliners for the upcoming Rock n’ Rio concert this September in Brazil. His recordings include the Gold Record “Rock of Ages” original cast soundtrack, “American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers” album (also certified Gold), his solo album “Constantine,” and the Queen Tribute Album “Killer Queen.” A new music project entitled “Jesus & Constantine” is currently in the works with Lady Gaga famed guitarist Kareem “Jesus” Devlin. Constantine received his BFA from Boston Conservatory. Twitter @ConstantineM

The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets, priced from $47 to $87, are available online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org; by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529; or visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday – Sunday from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. during non-performance dates. On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday from 1 p.m. till 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. till 7 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

More from Arts