The full cast of new musical Dark of the Moon has been unveiled ahead of its world premiere at Charing Cross Theatre this May.
Dark of the Moon is a supernatural tale of powerful witchcraft, small-town prejudices and the power of love. This timeless, spellbinding new musical portrays the clash of two dynamically polarized worlds — a charming rural Appalachian town and the mystical world of witches and warlocks from the Smoky Mountains that loom high above. The show’s unique musical score reflects those conflicting worlds using a thrilling blend of country/bluegrass and rock. Barbara Allen – a human girl and John – a curious witch-boy – find each other and defy their communities to build a life together. But will love conquer all – or will they be haunted by a deal that was made by the dark of the moon?
Joining the already announced duo of Glenn Adamson as John, The Witch Boy and Lauren Jones as Barbara Allen will be Sue Appleby as Gemma Allen, Josie Benson as Conjur Woman, Jordan Broatch as Devin, Martin Callaghan as Preacher Haggler and Sophia Duncan as Ella Bergen.
David-Michael Johnson will play Mr Wharton, Thomas-Lee Kidd is Thomas Allen, Al Knott is Raven, Kiah Lindsay is Grace/Katie, Gemma Maclean is Patricia Bergen, Wills Mercado is Floyd Allen, Samuel Murray is Marvin Hudgens, Gary Turner is Conjur Man and Appolilly Szwarc is Arwen.
Completing the cast are onstage swings Will Foggin, Vieve Hamilton and Nick Wyschna.
Based on the 1941 play by Howard D Richardson and William Berney, it is directed by Georgie Rankcom and features a book by Jonathan Prince and music and lyrics by songwriters Lindy Robbins, Dave Bassett and Steve Robson.
Originally written by Howard Richardson and William Berney while students at the University of Iowa in the early 1940s, the play Dark of the Moon is loosely inspired by the traditional Scottish ballad Barbara Allen. Following its original Broadway production by the Shubert Organization, the play has been widely produced internationally and has attracted notable performers and directors including Paul Newman, George C Scott, Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones. Sir Peter Brook directed a London production at the Ambassador Theatre in 1949.
The story has recently re-entered the cultural conversation through references in the Stranger Things stage play The First Shadow and the final season of the hit Netflix series.
Additional members of the creative team are choreographer Jane McMurtrie, musical supervisor Brad Haak, musical director Matt Herbert, orchestrator Dillon Kondor, casting director Peter Noden, production designer Libby Todd, lighting designer Jonathan Chan and sound designer Andrew Johnson.
The show is produced by WitzEnd Productions (Michael Jackowitz and Jeffrey Grove) and Steven M Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Limited and is general managed by Steven M Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Limited. Dark of the Moon is presented by special arrangement with the Richardson/Yale Property Trust, Elliot S Blair, administrator.
Dark of the Moon plays Charing Cross Theatre from May 18-August8, 2026. Tickets here.
Top image: Dark of the Moon cast announcement (image supplied)