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Josh McDermitt & Edward Barbanell in Andy and the Orphans

Amy and the Orphans becomes Andy and the Orphans on Wednesday and Saturday matinees

Edward Barbanell will stand in for Jamie Brewer during matinee performances at the Laura Pels Theatre.

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

Roundabout Theatre Company has annoucned that Edward Barbanell will take over the title role from "American Horror Story" star Jamie Brewer in in the world premiere of Amy and the Orphans during Wednesday and Saturday matinee performances for the remainder of the off-Broadway run. At those performances the play will be called Andy and the Orphans and Mr. Barbanell will play the role of Andy.

Playwright Lindsey Ferrentino commented: "I knew Eddie had to be part of this play. The solution was to write a male version so both Eddie and Jamie could be a part of our production, and future productions of the play would be more inclusive, giving actors with Down syndrome of both genders a title role."

The rest of the off-Broadway cast includes Vanessa Aspillaga (as Kathy), Mark Blum (as Jacob), Diane Davis (as Sarah), "The Walking Dead" star Josh McDermitt (as Bobby) and Tony Award winner Debra Monk (as Maggie).

Amy and the Orphans is written by Roundabout Underground alumna Lindsey Ferrentino and directed by eight-time Tony Award nominee Scott Ellis. Previews began on February 1, 2018, before an official opening on March 1, with the limited engagement running through to April 22, 2018 at the Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre.

Synopsis: "After their father's death, two unhinged siblings reunite with Amy, their movie-loving sister who has Down syndrome. Together, they careen down the Great American Long Island Expressway, navigating strip malls, traffic jams and some serious (and not-so-serious) family drama. An unexpected turn reveals the moment that changed their lives...and the fact that Amy may be the only one who knows her own mind. Amy and the Orphans is a rollicking ride that proves it's never too late to follow a new road."

The creative team behind Amy and the Orphans features scenic design by Rachel Hauck, costume design by Alejo Vietti, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, and original music & sound design by John Gromada.

Amy and the Orphans Tickets are available now for performances through to April 22, 2018.

(Photo by Joan Marcus)

Originally published on

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