PHILADELPHIA, PA — Bob Dylan’s music is filling the Arden Theatre Company this fall, but audiences will hear familiar songs in an unconventional way as 13 actor-musicians bring “Girl from the North Country” to life on stage in Old City.
The production, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Arden Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen, opened Sept. 30 and runs through Oct. 25 on the F. Otto Haas Stage. It launches the Arden’s 2026-27 Mainstage Season.
Set in a struggling boarding house in Duluth, Minnesota, during the Great Depression, the musical follows a collection of strangers confronting love, loss and uncertain futures. Dylan songs including “Forever Young,” “Hurricane,” and “Like a Rolling Stone” are woven through the story with Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale.
Unlike a traditional musical in which songs propel the plot, Dylan’s music offers glimpses into the characters’ inner lives. The Arden is also putting the musicians directly into the action: cast members play piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin and harmonica while serving as the production’s orchestra.
The actor-musician format builds on an approach familiar to Arden audiences from the theater’s 2018 production of “Once.”
“What draws me to this musical is that it is so unique. Conor McPherson has written this extraordinary play, inspired by the work of Eugene O’Neill. And he has woven into this story the songs of Bob Dylan,” Nolen said. “Two brilliant artists whose work comes together to create an incredibly original and moving piece of theatre.”
Nolen said the ensemble is central to the Arden’s interpretation.
“What will make this production so special is its ensemble – 13 actor-musicians, long-time collaborators and voices new to the Arden, coming together to bring McPherson’s story and Dylan’s songs to radiant life,” he said. “This is such an audacious musical, and I am inspired by its ambition and beauty.”
The cast mixes familiar Arden performers with newcomers.
Sevon Askew returns as Joe Scott after earning a Barrymore Award for his performance as Benjamin Coffin III in the Arden’s “RENT.” His credits also include the Broadway national tour of “Hadestown.”
Sarah Gliko plays Elizabeth Laine. A four-time Barrymore Award winner and founding member of the Wilma Theater’s Hothouse Resident Acting Company, Gliko previously appeared at the Arden in “The Secret Garden,” “Parade” and “Charlotte’s Web.”
Eric Hissom portrays Nick Laine, returning after Arden appearances including “Cyrano,” “August: Osage County,” “Equivocation” and “A Moon for the Misbegotten.”
Scott Greer, a 30-year veteran of Philadelphia theater and six-time Barrymore Award winner, plays Mr. Burke. Arden audiences may recognize him from productions including “The Lehman Trilogy,” “Into the Woods” and “Once.”
Greg Wood plays Dr. Walker. His extensive Arden history includes “Once,” “Our Town,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Falsettos” and “Death of a Salesman.” His Broadway credits include “Our Town” and “Othello.”
Charlie DelMarcelle, an associate professor of theater at West Chester University, returns as Mr. Perry. His previous Arden productions include “The Lehman Trilogy,” “August: Osage County,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Jungle Book” and “Funnyman.”
Also returning to the Arden are Giacomo Fizzano as Gene Laine, Maggie Lakis as Mrs. Burke, Matteo Scammell as Reverend Marlowe, Harrison Smith as Elias Burke and Candace Thomas as Mrs. Neilson.
Lyndie Moe, who performed as Maureen Johnson in the 20th- and 25th-anniversary national tours of “RENT,” makes her Arden debut as Kate Draper. Gabrielle North also makes her Arden debut, playing Marianne Laine.
Nolen leads a creative team that includes music director Ryan Touhey, choreographer Devon Sinclair, scenic designer James Kronzer, lighting designer Chris Lee, costume designer Alison Roberts and sound designer Damien Figueras.
Audiences will have several opportunities to experience the production beyond a standard performance. Post-show talkbacks are scheduled for Oct. 11 and Oct. 22, while Young Friends Night will be held Oct. 15 for professionals age 40 and younger.
Teen Night on Oct. 17 will offer $15 tickets and a post-show talkback for ages 13 to 18. A student matinee is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 10:30 a.m. for school groups.
The Arden is also offering accessibility options throughout the run. Customizable caption glasses became available Oct. 6, while open-captioned and audio-described performances are scheduled for Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.
Event Details
- What: Arden Theatre Company presents “Girl from the North Country,” written by Conor McPherson and featuring music by Bob Dylan
- When: Performances through Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026; dates and times vary by performance
- Where: Arden Theatre Company, F. Otto Haas Stage, 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost/Tickets: Single tickets vary by performance and start at $32; Teen Night tickets for ages 13-18 are $15
- More Info: ardentheatre.org; tickets are also available by calling 215-922-1122 or visiting the Arden box office
By putting the instruments in the hands of its actors and using Dylan’s songs to illuminate rather than simply narrate the story, the Arden is opening its new season with a musical that blends a Depression-era American drama with one of the country’s most recognizable songbooks.
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