Oscar-winning actress Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) will take on the role of Geneviève in a rare revival of the 1976 musical The Baker’s Wife, with performances set for October 23 to December 14, 2025, at Classic Stage Company’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater. Opening night is scheduled for November 11.
This marks the first full-scale New York City production of the Joseph Stein–Stephen Schwartz musical, which will open CSC’s 2025–2026 season. The production is based on the French film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, The Queen of Versailles) and a book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof). Gordon Greenberg (The Heart of Rock and Roll) will direct.
Schwartz praised DeBose, noting her “depth and nuance” and her remarkable rendition of the musical’s most famous song, “Meadowlark”—a number made famous by stars like Patti LuPone and Sarah Brightman. Director Greenberg described DeBose as bringing “an electric mix of vulnerability, wit, and star power” to the role, ensuring audiences experience the character in “thrilling new ways.”
Synopsis: Set in a quiet French village, the story follows a baker and his wife who bring fresh bread—and fresh gossip—to the community. When temptation disrupts their lives, the town becomes entangled in a whirlwind of romance, mischief, and melody. The musical’s soaring score includes the iconic “Meadowlark,” celebrating love in all its imperfect beauty.
Originally touring the U.S. in 1976, the production became notorious for behind-the-scenes troubles and never made it to Broadway, but has maintained a cult status among theater fans.
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DeBose, the first openly queer Afro-Latina to win an Academy Award, has built an impressive career in both film and theater. Her credits include Love Hurts, Argylle, I.S.S., Wish, Kraven the Hunter, House of Spoils, and the series Schmigadoon! and The Prom. On Broadway, she earned a Tony nomination for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and was part of the original cast of Hamilton.
The Baker’s Wife is presented in partnership with the Menier Chocolate Factory, Creative Partners Productions, and Aaron Glick, with further casting and creative team announcements to come.
