The acclaimed Olivier Award-winning musical, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” makes its much-anticipated North American debut at The Public Theater in New York City. This production, inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved short story and its 2008 film adaptation starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, provides a fresh interpretation of the narrative through music and a talented ensemble of actor-musicians.
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Starring Andrew Durand as the titular Benjamin Button and Kelsee Kimmel as Elowen Keene, the show intricately weaves a tale of love, time, and mortality. The two lead performers recently spoke about their experiences bringing this acclaimed musical to American audiences. The show, currently in previews at The Public Theater’s Newman Theater, officially opens on 21 October and runs until 6 December.
Durand portrays Benjamin Button, a man who begins life in an elderly state and mysteriously grows younger as time progresses. Kimmel plays the pivotal role of Elowen, who captures the heart of this unique character. Together, they lead a talented cast of 15 actor-musicians, presenting an expansive love story set against the backdrop of a small fishing village in Cornwall, England. This setting diverges from the Hollywood narrative, which spans 20th-century America.
In a departure from cinematic storytelling, the stage production employs a more theatrical approach. It invites the audience to engage with a live score played by the ensemble, who also take on various roles throughout Benjamin’s life. This innovative technique showcases the vibrancy of live performance while offering a fresh lens on the renowned storyline.
For Kimmel, participating in this production presents both an honour and a challenge. She expressed her excitement about joining a piece with such an esteemed history, noting how the cast inspires her every day with their talent and passion. “It is a unique honour and challenge to become part of a piece with such a beloved and decorated history behind it,” she remarked in an exclusive interview.
The musical’s journey to New York has been a significant undertaking, originating at London’s Southwark Playhouse in 2019 before returning to the venue in 2023. The show will continue its evolution with a planned engagement in the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre in October 2024. The production has garnered accolades, winning multiple Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, with Durand’s counterpart, John Dagleish, winning Best Actor.
Durand shared how taking on Benjamin Button, who embodies profound themes surrounding love and the passage of time, has been a career highlight. He reflected on the personal connection he feels to the character, stating, “It has been a highlight of my career to put this show together with the most incredible company of multitalented artists that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”
Fitzgerald’s original short story, published over a century ago, has captivated readers with its fantastical premise of reversing the aging process. The tale offers a thought-provoking exploration of human existence, turning the typical trajectory from youth to old age on its head. Director David Fincher’s cinematic version also received critical acclaim, securing 13 Academy Award nominations.
Now, with the New York stage adaptation, both Durand and Kimmel join the ranks of performers who bring this timeless narrative to life. Durand, a Tony Award nominee, has an impressive Broadway resume, including roles in “Dead Outlaw,” “The Rocky Horror Show,” and “Shucked.” Kimmel’s recent credits include her role in the Alicia Keys musical “Hell’s Kitchen” and a performance in “SIX” in Toronto.
The production features a diverse cast, including Britney Coleman, Trevor Lindley Craft, and more, with additional cast members serving in swing roles. Tickets for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” are currently available, inviting audiences to experience this celebrated tale in a vibrant and reimagined format. With its run set to conclude on 6 December, the show promises an unforgettable exploration of love and the passage of time through the lens of one of literature’s most enduring characters.