Brandon Espinoza to join cast of 'Joy: A New True Musical'

Based on the life of trailblazing businesswoman Joy Mangano, the show follows how she went from a divorced, bankrupt single mother to becoming a success in the world of business.

Brandon Espinoza will join the cast of Joy: A New True Musical when performances begin off Broadway this summer. He replaces the previously announced Mauricio Martínez in the role of Tony.

Based on the life of trailblazing businesswoman Joy Mangano, who invented the Miracle Mop, the show follows how she went from a divorced, bankrupt single mother to becoming a success in the world of business.

Espinoza joins Tony Award nominee Betsy Wolfe as Joy, with Jill Abramovitz as Toots, Honor Blue Savage as Christie, Adam Grupper as Rudy, Jaygee Macapugay as Lorraine, Paul Whitty as Cowboy Eddie, Charl Brown as Dan, and Gabriela Carrillo as Ronni.

The ensemble includes Dana Costello, Ryan Duncan, Gaelen Gilliland, Sydni Moon, Manuel Santos, Brian Shepard, Allysa Shorte, and Alan Wiggins. The Swings are Briana Brooks, Nora Mae Dixon, Michał Kołaczkowski, Lael Van Keuren, and Jerome Vivona.

Mauricio Martínez said: “As my time with Joy comes to an end, I want to send the entire team my love and wish them all the success as they move forward telling this inspiring and uplifting true story. Making this decision was not easy for me, but for personal reasons I am unable to continue in this beautiful production. I am truly honored and grateful to have been a part of this journey, surrounded by such an incredibly talented group of artists. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Don’t miss this incredible show!”

This new musical features a book by Tony winner Ken Davenport, music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony Award nominee AnnMarie Milazzo, music supervision and arrangements by Andy Einhorn, choreography by Emmy Award winner Joshua Bergasse, and direction by Lorin Latarro. Additional material is by Amanda Yesnowitz.

Joy will make its off-Broadway debut at the Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre on June 21.

Book Joy tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Brandon Espinoza. (Photo by Brian Ray Norris)