James Beaman plays King Frederick in the new musical Frog Kiss, having its first full production at Virginia Stage Company January 15 through February 3!
Well, show business may be a precarious life, but it is rarely dull! Just before Christmas, I received an offer to join the cast of the new musical Frog Kiss. I had auditioned for the production back in October during rehearsals for Guys and Dolls and for whatever reason, the actor they had cast as King Frederick in this hip, irreverent new take on the Princess and the Frog tale had to withdraw. My offer came literally the night before rehearsals began! No time to think about it-- so I jumped in. Frog Kiss has been in development for several years, garnering rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as well as the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The Virginia Stage production will be its first fully mounted production and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
The piece, by Charles Leipart and Eric Schorr, is a saucy take on a classic story, with a score that ranges from traditional musical theatre styles, to jazz, to hip hop. The creative team, led by director Kenneth Roberson (Avenue Q), is made up of incredibly talented Broadway artists, and the design team is first rate. I am playing the Princess' father, King Frederick, a befuddled but sweet hearted Dad who seeks the help of Taoist Masters to bring order and balance to his troubled kingdom. It's a treat of a part and a delicious show, and there are few things more exciting than being part of the development of a new and promising piece. We fly to Norfolk, VA to Virginia Stage Company on New Year's Day. It's a wonderful thing to start the new year with a gig! For more information on Frog Kiss, visit the show's website here. Happy New Year all!
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