Rosie O’Donnell and Kristin Chenoweth have joined the cast for a reading of “The Pyramid: An Unauthorized ‘Dance Moms’ Musical.”
O’Donnell is said to be playing embattled instructor and series star Abby Lee Miller while Tony winner Chenoweth will take on the role of Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, a fellow instructor who quit the reality show after the first season.
The reading takes place Monday afternoon in New York City. O’Donnell teased the reading in a recent TikTok video, saying that she and Chenoweth were signed on for a reading of a new musical without naming the show.
O’Donnell recently wrapped up a limited run as the narrator in the Broadway revival of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Originally conceived by James Stryska and Isabel Grace, “The Pyramid” began as a viral social media concept that quickly amassed more than 5.6 million views. Developed alongside cowriters Erica Molfetto and Molly Russo, the original musical offers an irreverent take on competitive dance, overzealous stage mothers and the larger-than-life personalities that made “Dance Moms” a cultural phenomenon.
“Dance Moms” premiered in 2011 on Lifetime and ran for eight seasons before ending in 2019. Miller became a controversial figure who was often criticized for her harsh teaching lessons and her treatment of the students and their mothers. She served time in prison after being charged with multiple financial crimes.
O’Donnell and Chenoweth’s involvement follows the previously announced addition of Tye Blue, the Tony-nominated co-creator of the Broadway hit “Titaníque,” who joined the production as creative producer earlier this year.
The production is led by television producer and casting director Logan Clark, whose credits include “Beast Games,” “The Masked Singer,” “The Floor,” “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent.” Clark began his career working on the original “Dance Moms” series.
Clark’s company, The Casting Collective, is overseeing the nationwide casting initiative for the musical. Clark and The Casting Collective are represented by 3Point0, a sports and entertainment management and ventures firm.
The production is also supported by Daisy Theatricals, the New York-based theatrical development collective founded by Randall and Allyson Jane Simmons, with The Bartos Group serving as production counsel.
