Esparza, Kassebaum, White, Mann and More Take a Leap of Faith in Musical Workshop By Andrew Gans
April 30, 2008
A starry company is currently taking part in a workshop of the new Broadway-bound musical Leap of Faith, which will lead to two by-invitation-only performances in Manhattan May 15 and 16.
Playbill.com has learned that the cast of the workshop includes Raul Esparza (Jonas Nightengale), Elizabeth Stanley (Marva McGowan), Ian Brininstool (Boyd McGowan), Kendra Kassebaum (Sam), Lillias White (Ida Mae Sturdevant), Terrence Mann (Sheriff Will Braverman) and Brandon Victor Dixon (Ricky Sturdevant).
Taylor Hackford ("Ray") is directing the workshop, which features choreography by Cry-Baby's Rob Ashford. Richard Frankel is producing.
Leap of Faith is aiming for a spring 2009 bow on Broadway. The new musical features music by Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast), lyrics by Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Newyorkers) and a book by Janus Cercone, who wrote the film's original screenplay.
In the 1992 film "Leap of Faith," Steve Martin (Picasso at the Lapin Agile) starred as a fake faith healer who travels with a band of con-artist helpers swindling townsfolk from one location to another. The movie also featured Liam Neeson (The Crucible), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Long Day's Journey Into Night) and La Chanze (The Color Purple).