Full casting has been revealed for Indie Theatrical's current developmental workshop of The Song of Bernadette, a new musical with music by Jekyll & Hyde composer Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Robin Lerner, and a book by Rinne B. Groff. Tony winner Christopher Gattelli is directing and staging.
Based on Franz Werfel's 1941 novel, the musical tells the true story of Bernadette Soubirous, a young woman living in the French town Lourdes who sees a vision that will change everything forever. The novel was previously adapted into a 1943 film starring Jennifer Jones, who won an Academy Award for the title role.
Joining the previously announced Sophia Anne Caruso and Lea Salonga as Bernadette Soubirous and Mama Soubirous, respectively, are Javier Muñoz (Hamilton, The Devil Wears Prada), Colton Ryan (Girl From The North Country, Dear Evan Hansen), L. Steven Taylor (The Lion King), and Katie Lee Hill (Succession, New Amsterdam). Returning from earlier work on the show are Tony winner Alice Ripley (Next to Normal) as Sister Vauzous, Eric Anderson (Moulin Rouge!) as Papa Soubirous, Eliseo N. Roman (On Your Feet) as Bouriette/Emperor Napoleon III, and Paul Anthony Stewart (Beautiful) as Imperial Prosecutor Dutour.
”After the desolate quiet of these last couple years, to hear these amazing beautiful soulful voices fill this rehearsal room is like a miracle!," says Wildhorn in a statement. "The force of nature that is this cast is such a blessing and such an inspiration. Every day is a celebration.”
Rounding out the company are Colin Anderson as Dr. Dozous, Max Bartos as Antoine Cover/Ensemble, Sharon Catherine Brown as Mme. Millet/Empress Eugenie, Claire DeJean as Bernadette Cover/Ensemble, Ciara Alyse Harris as Toinette/Ensemble, Sean Jenness as Cobbler/Babou/Ensemble, Sid Kamat as Jean Soubirous/Sick Child, Madison Elizabeth Lagaras as Marie Soubirous, Lee Siegel as Jacomet/Ensemble, Yasmeen Sulieman as Mme. Bouhouhorts/Ensemble, and Hailee Kaleem Wright as Catherine/Mlle. Bruart.
The workshop features music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Jason Howland, and is executive produced by Louis Hobson and Jake Groshong of Indie Theatrical in partnership with Van Dean, T.J. Berden, David Kang, John Pagliassotti, and Kevin Cheung, and by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical. The workshop was cast by Binder Casting's Mark Brandon, and Bernadette Schoenborn is stage manager.
