Dave is a musical with music by Tom Kitt, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, and a book by Benjamin and Thomas Meehan. Based on the 1993 American political comedy film of the same name written by Gary Ross, the musical made its world premiere try-out at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. in July 2018. The musical centers on Dave Kovic, a high school teacher (and presidential look-alike) who is hired by the Secret Service when the President falls ill.

The musical is based on the 1993 film Dave.^[1] The film itself starred Kevin Kline as Dave Kovic and President Bill Mitchell and Sigourney Weaver as First Lady Ellen Mitchell and featured a number of prominent actors in supporting roles including Frank Langella, Kevin Dunn, Ving Rhames, Charles Grodin, and Ben Kingsley. The film was produced on a budget of $28 million,^[2] earning $63.3 million^[3]

The musical was first reported in November 2014 by Variety following a private industry reading held on October 31. In summer 2016, it was announced that the musical held a second private reading starring Brian d’Arcy James and Carmen Cusack.^[4] An additional lab was held in 2017, again with James starring in the title role.

It was announced in January 2018 that the musical would premiere at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. in summer 2018.^[5] On March 27, 2018, it was announced that Drew Gehling would star in the title role.^[6] In May 2018, it was announced that Gehling would be joined by Mamie Parris as Ellen Mitchell.

Washington D.C.