Joy: A New True Musical
The story of Joy Mangano, a young single mother who cleaned up as the inventor and entrepreneur of a self-wringing mop, already inspired a 2015 film that earned Jennifer Lawrence an Oscar nomination. Now it is the subject of an original musical with a book by producer Ken Davenport and a score by AnnMarie Milazzo (with additional material by Amanda Yesnowitz), starring Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet) in the title role. Lorin Lotarro, best known as the accomplished Broadway choreographer of shows including Tommy and The Heart of Rock and Roll, takes on directing duties here and leaves the dances to Smash man Joshua Bergasse; the large cast also includes Jill Abramovitz, Charl Brown, Adam Grupper, Brandon Espinoza, Honor Blue Savage, Paul Whitty, Gabriela Carrillo and Jaygee Macapugay.