Little Miss Sunshine: Will Swenson replaces Will Chase

Tony nominee Will Swenson will replace Will Chase as 'Richard Hoover' in the upcoming Off-Broadway production of the new musical comedy, Little Miss Sunshine. Chase has withdrawn from the cast to accept a role in the TV series "Nashville."

Swenson was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as 'Berger' in the 2009 revival of 'Hair.' His other Broadway credits include 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert,' '110 in the Shade,' 'Lestat' and 'Brooklyn.' Swenson had been scheduled to star in Bucks County Playhouse production of 'The Rocky Horror Show' playing from 3 Oct - 02 Nov 2013.

Little Miss Sunshine stars Stephanie J. Block as 'Sheryl Hoover' and nine-year old Hannah Rose Nordberg as 'Olive Hoover.' The cast also includes Josh Lamon as 'Buddy,' Rory O'Malley as 'Frank Hoover,' David Rasche (Grandpa Hoover), Logan Rowland (Dwayne Hoover), Jennifer Sanchez (Miss California) and Wesley Taylor (Joshua Rose).

With book and direction by Tony Award-Winner James Lapine and music and lyrics by Tony Award-Winner William Finn, Little Miss Sunshine kicks off Second Stage Theatre's 35th anniversary season , where it previews from 15 Oct 2013 and will officially open in mid-November 2013.

On life's twisty road, sometimes you need to pull over and change direction. When the coveted title of Little Miss Sunshine is unexpectedly within her reach, young Olive Hoover convinces her family to make the 800 mile trek to the pre-teen pageant of her dreams. Along the way, a series of mishaps threatens to derail the group's quest for the crown, until they realize a young girl's far-fetched goal may actually hold the key to the family's happiness.

James Lapine and William Finn return to Second Stage Theatre where they most recently collaborated on 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.' Previews for Little Miss Sunshine begins 15 Oct 2013 with an official opening in mid- November.

The creative feature scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Jennifer Caprio, lighting design by Ken Billington, and sound design by Jon Weston.

Little Miss Sunshine is based on the film of the same name, written by Michael Arndt.