Readings and WorkshopsLea Salonga and Sophia Anne Caruso Lead Workshop of New Frank Wildhorn Musical The Song of Bernadette
Based on a true story and the 1941 novel of the same name, the new work features a book by Rinne B. Groff and lyrics by Robin Lerner.
By
Andrew Gans
September 09, 2022
Lea Salonga and Sophia Anne Caruso
Indie Theatrical's workshop of the new Frank Wildhorn musical TheSongofBernadette will be held in Manhattan this week.
The cast will be led by Sophia Anne Caruso (Lazarus, Beetlejuice) as Bernadette Soubirous and Tony and Olivier winner Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Aladdin, Mulan) as Mama Soubirous.
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.
The musical adaptation features a score by Tony nominee Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Grammy nominee Robin Lerner, a book Rinne B. Groff, music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony nominee Jason Howland, with direction and musical staging by Christopher Gattelli.
Executive Producer Louis Hobson says, “We are thrilled to be back in New York after this pandemic pause to finally unveil this visionary new musical. It is a gift to work with such a brilliant and diverse group of artists at the top of their game, and to introduce New York to maybe the best and most intimate score Frank has ever written. What this team has created is remarkable, and something truly unexpected. We are humbled and elated by the addition of this world class cast of actors to our process—a true embarrassment of riches. Sophia Anne Caruso is a revelation as our Bernadette, and we can’t wait to reintroduce her unlikely hero to a new world.”
The workshop is executive produced by 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.
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