LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: A NEW ORLEANS GUMBO to Make World Premiere at The Phoenix Theatre Company

Producer Michael P. Kruke and co-producer Ram Narasimhan, in association with The Phoenix Theatre Company, will present the world premiere of Let the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo from August 6–31, 2025, in the Hormel Theatre. The official opening is set for August 8, wrapping up the company’s 24/25 season.

Conceived and written by Tony Award winner Jack Viertel, the new musical features music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Sonny Paladino (A Beautiful Noise, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812) and is directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Sara Edwards (Hello, Dolly!, Harmony, The Music Man).

Let the Good Times Roll is a music-driven tribute to the city of New Orleans, set to a soundtrack of jazz, blues, funk, and gospel classics from artists like Bessie Smith, Dr. John, The Meters, Fats Domino, Lyle Lovett, and Harry Connick Jr. The story follows a young woman who, reeling from heartbreak, finds herself in a spirited neighborhood bar where the locals’ stories of loss and survival help her reconnect with her own strength.

The show first appeared at The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 2024 Festival of New American Theatre, where it received audience feedback as part of its development process.

The cast of Let the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo includes William Bailey as Onyx, Scott Davidson as Captain, Gina Guarino as Wanda, Miciah Lathan as Maretha, Carmiña Monserrat as Liza Jane, and Tre Moore as L.D. Ernest Allen and Savannah Inez will serve as swings, with Robert Watson as understudy. All principal cast members are members of Actors' Equity Association.

Coinciding with the first preview on August 6, Joy Machine Records will release a concept album featuring tracks from the show performed by J. Harrison Ghee, Rashidra Scott, John Edwards, Jonny Rosch, and Alysha Umphress, with a guest appearance by the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band. The album is produced by Sonny Paladino.