THE YORK THEATRE ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY CASTING FOR WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL TRULY, HOWARD HUGHES FEATURING: BRENDA BRAXTON, JILL PAICE, MATTHEW EBY, AND DAVID ELDER

New York, NY (June 25, 2026) – The York Theatre (Joseph Hayward, Producing Artistic Director, Wendy Hall, Managing Director) is thrilled to announce that Broadway favorites Brenda Braxton (Chicago, Dream Girls, Cats), Matthew Eby (Off-Bway: House of McQueen), David Elder (Broadway: 42nd Street, Kiss me, Kate, Titanic), Eric Michael Gillet (Kiss Me, Kate, Sweet Smell of Success), and Jill Paice (An American in Paris, Matilda, The 39 Steps) will star in the world premiere of TRULY, HOWARD HUGHES, a new musical, with more casting to be announced in subsequent weeks. The limited Off-Broadway engagement opens September 17, 2026, at The Theater at St. Jean's (150 East 76th Street).

TRULY, HOWARD HUGHES features a score by James Scully, with book by Frank Evans, Jennifer Paulson-Lee, and James Scully, lyrics by Frank Evans and Chad Gorn, musical direction and arrangements by Scott Cady, orchestrations by Doug Besterman, and casting by Jason Styres/The Casting Collaborative. The production will be directed and choreographed by Jennifer Paulson-Lee.

TRULY, HOWARD HUGHES is an unconventional love story following one of the 20th century's most fascinating figures: aviator, filmmaker, businessman, and recluse, Howard Robard Hughes, Jr. The story unfolds as Hughes revisits his extraordinary life during his final moments, confronting the one thing his power and fortune could never secure, and leaves us with a haunting question: ...Would you, if you could?

Featuring a hummable, anthemic score rooted in golden-age Broadway tradition, innovative staging, and powerful performances, Truly, Howard Hughes is essential viewing for theatre lovers who cherish complex characters and compelling storytelling.

Media Kit with Photos

THE YORK THEATRE, “Where Musicals Come to Life,” is the only theatre in New York City—and one of very few in the world—dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals and preserving notable shows from the past. For over five decades, York’s intimate, imaginative approach to producing both original and classic musicals has earned critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike. Since 1997, The York has focused on new musicals in its Mainstage Series—most of them world, American, or New York premieres—by some of the field’s most esteemed creators and has also helped launch the careers of many talented new writers. Over 47 cast recordings from York Theatre productions are now available, including its acclaimed revival of CLOSER THAN EVER (2013 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Revival). Commercial transfers of such York premieres as THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL!), SOUVENIR (Tony Award Nomination for actress Judy Kaye), and JOLSON & COMPANY, and revivals of PACIFIC OVERTURES and SWEENEY TODD (four Tony Nominations including Best Revival) have all showcased the importance of The York and its programs.

The York is the recipient of an Emmy Nomination, a special Drama Desk Award for “Developing and Producing New Musicals,” and a special Outer Critics Circle Award for “50 Years of Producing New and Classic Musicals.” Most recently, Stephanie Jae Park received a Lortel Nomination for her performance in The York’s Monte Cristo. The York is currently producing at The Theatre at St. Jean’s at 76^th Street and Lexington Avenue.

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