Arena Stage Welcomes Tony Winner Myles Frost Home for Chez Joey

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has announced that Tony Award-winning performer Myles Frost will star in the upcoming production of "Chez Joey," marking a homecoming for the Maryland native who made history on Broadway. The show, featuring a new adaptation of the classic musical tale, will run from January 30 through March 15, 2026, in Arena's Kreeger Theater.

Chez Joey at Arena Stage

Set on the South Side of 1940s Chicago, "Chez Joey" follows a silver-tongued nightclub performer with dreams bigger than the bandstand. But in a city where the right connections mean everything, he finds himself caught between a bright-eyed chorus girl and the wealthy baroness who can bankroll his big break—for a price. As the lights dim and the music swells, Joey's got a choice to make: play it straight or gamble it all for a shot at the spotlight.

The production brings together an impressive creative team, including a new book by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Richard LaGravenese, known for "The Fisher King," and choreography by Tony winner Savion Glover of "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk" fame. The show will be directed by actor, director, and producer Tony Goldwyn, familiar to television audiences from ABC's "Scandal," alongside Glover. The production features fresh arrangements from the catalog of Great American Songbook legends Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.

"We're thrilled to welcome Myles Frost, one of the DC area's own Tony Award-winning actors, back home to lead this dynamic production," said Arena Stage Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif. "With Myles's singular talent, Chez Joey promises to electrify the DMV this winter."

Frost's return to the DC area represents a full-circle moment for the Silver Spring native. In 2022, while completing a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts at Bowie State University, he made Tony Award history by becoming the youngest solo performer ever to win the award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in "MJ the Musical." His striking physicality and vocal precision brought international praise, including a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album and an Olivier nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.

A self-trained pianist, singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, Frost developed his vocal brilliance, emotional depth, and magnetic stage presence in local talent shows, school productions, and church performances while growing up in the region. His breakout Broadway performance captivated audiences and critics alike, launching him into the spotlight following an industry-defining run in "MJ the Musical."

"I'm beyond excited to announce that I'll be premiering the new adaptation of Chez Joey at Arena Stage on January 30th," said Frost. "It's an honor to bring this story to life alongside industry legends like Tony Goldwyn and Savion Glover. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to share this beautiful work with everyone. I don't think the people are ready!"

The musical score for "Chez Joey" features beloved standards from the original "Pal Joey," including "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "What is a Man?," and "I Could Write a Book." The production expands to include favorites from the 1957 film adaptation, such as "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" and "The Lady Is a Tramp." Rodgers and Hart fans can also expect to hear classics like "My Funny Valentine," "This Can't Be Love," and "I Wish I Were in Love Again," among others.

Arena Stage will announce the full cast and creative team at a later date.