O’Donnell and Chenoweth take roles in ‘Dance Moms’ musical reading
The musical parody remains in development, with a nationwide casting search planned for its original production.
Rosie O’Donnell and Kristin Chenoweth performed in a private industry reading of The Pyramid: An Unauthorized ‘Dance Moms’ Musical in New York City on October 19. The project, a theatrical parody drawing on the reality show and competitive dance, is still being developed.
O’Donnell portrayed instructor and series star Abby Lee Miller, while Chenoweth took the role of fellow instructor Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, Variety reported. The reading was closed to the public. O’Donnell had previously mentioned a musical collaboration with Chenoweth without identifying the project.
With an original score, the story centers on Christi Lukasiak and her daughter, Chloe, during a turbulent week at the Abby Lee Dance Company. After Chloe reaches the pyramid’s highest position, Christi faces a decision about what she is willing to do to preserve her daughter’s standing.
James Stryska, Isabel Grace, Erica Molfetto and Molly Russo wrote the musical. Lead producer Logan Clark previously worked on the television series, and his company, The Casting Collective, will lead a nationwide search to cast the original production. Tye Blue is supervising producer, with Daisy Theatricals helping develop the project. A Kickstarter campaign raised money over the summer to support its first production.
