Paper Mill Playhouse, the Tony Award-winning regional theater in Millburn, NJ, has announced the cast and creative team for Bull Durham, the first production of its 2025-2026 season. Performances begin October 2, ahead of an official opening night on October 12. The limited engagement runs through November 2, at Paper Mill Playhouse, located at 22 Brookside Drive.
Based on the beloved 1988 film, Bull Durham tells the story of veteran catcher “Crash” Davis, who is assigned to mentor rookie pitcher “Nuke” LaLoosh. Meanwhile, baseball devotee Annie Savoy must choose her seasonal protégé, setting the stage for a romantic and comedic love triangle. Adapted by the film’s original Academy Award-nominated writer and director, Ron Shelton, the musical features music and lyrics by Susan Werner, blending passion, humor, and heart against the backdrop of America’s favorite pastime.
Directed by Marc Bruni (The Great Gatsby) and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse (Smash), the production stars two-time Tony Award nominee Carmen Cusack (Bright Star) as Annie Savoy and Nik Walker (Hamilton) as Crash Davis. Will Savarese (Frozen National Tour) plays Nuke LaLoosh, alongside Joel Ashur (Nollywood Dreams), Ashlyn Maddox (Parade), James Moye (Tootsie), Andrew Poston (Almost Famous), and Nick Wyman (Catch Me If You Can).
The creative team includes Vadim Feichtner (music supervision), August Eriksmoen (orchestrations), Derek McLane (scenic design), Alejo Vietti (costume design), Cory Pattak (lighting design), Haley Parcher (sound design), Liz Printz (hair, wig, and makeup design), and Rocío Mendez (fight and intimacy direction).