Pittsburgh CLO has announced casting for much of its 2017 season, including Pittsburgh CLO alumni, Broadway artists and first-timers such as Joshua Grosso, making his debut as Usnavi in "In the Heights.” He is the 2012 Jimmy Award-winner for best actor and a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. 

Disney’s "The Little Mermaid" (June 14 - 25): Diana Huey, a Helen Hayes Award-winning actor (Signature Theatre’s “Miss Saigon”), will star as Ariel, and Eric Kunze will play Prince Edward. Mr. Kunze appeared as Bruce in the international premiere of “Fun Home” opposite Lea Salonga, and his Broadway credits include “Les Mis” (Marius), “Miss Saigon” (Chris) and “Damn Yankees” (Joe Hardy). Melvin Abston, who will play Sebastian, appeared on Broadway in “Sister Act” and in the national tours of “The Lion King” and "The Little Mermaid,” among others. As Ursula, Jennifer Allen has a long list of Broadway credits, including Mother Superior in “Sister Act.”

"In the Heights" (July 7-16): Joining Mr. Grosso will be Drama Desk winner Stephanie Klemons, an original “Hamilton” cast member, as Vanessa. Her credits include serving as associate choreographer for “Hamilton,” “Bring It On” and the first national tour of "In the Heights.” Patricia Phillips, a long-time Pittsburgh CLO alum and Carnegie Mellon graduate, returns to Pittsburgh as Abuela Claudia.

Disney's “Newsies” (July 18-23): Joey Barreiro reprises his role as Jack Kelly after starring as Jack in the first national tour. Beth Laird, a tour member and part of the “Newsies Live!” cast, also makes her PCLO debut in the role of Katherine. Broadway and PCLO veteran Ed Watts will play Joseph Pulitzer in “Newsies.”

"Mamma Mia!" (July 28-Aug. 6): Erika Henningsen, who was Pittsburgh CLO’s as Nellie Forbush in "South Pacific," and returns this summer in the role of Sophie Sheridan. Broadway’s Matt Bogart (“Jersey Boys”; “Aida”; “Miss Saigon”) returns to Pittsburgh CLO as Sam Carmichael, and another returnee, veteran Broadway and tour actor Christian Whelan, will play Bill Austin. George Merrick makes his PCLO debut as Harry Bright.

"Million Dollar Quartet" (Aug. 8-13): James Snyder is back at Pittsburgh CLO as Elvis Presley after appearing in last summer’s "South Pacific” and on Broadway in “If/Then” and “Cry-Baby.” Co-stars are Derek Keeling as Johnny Cash, British entertainer Martin Kaye as Jerry Lee Lewis and Billy Finn as Carl Perkins.

More information: pittsburghclo.org or 412-456-6666.

First Published: June 1, 2017, 8:17 p.m.