Ariana DeBose will headline the New York City premiere of The Baker’s Wife at the Classic Stage Company’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater this fall. The production is scheduled to run from October 23 to December 14, with the official opening night on November 11, marking its first full-scale presentation in the city.
About THE BAKER’S WIFE and Its Creative Team
The Baker’s Wife features a book by Tony Award winner Joseph Stein and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, also a Tony Award winner. Adapted from the film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono, the musical is directed by Gordon Greenberg. Despite its acclaim, it has never before been fully staged in New York City.
Ariana DeBose’s Accomplished Career Highlighted
Ariana DeBose gained widespread recognition after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Her win was historic as she became the first openly queer Afro–Latina to receive an Oscar. DeBose’s Broadway credits include a Tony nomination for her portrayal of Disco Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and her participation in the original Hamilton cast. She is also known for hosting the Tony Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and for her roles in Ryan Murphy‘s The Prom and the series Schmigadoon on Netflix.
“Ariana is one of our finest young singing actresses, and I’m excited by the depth and nuance she will bring to the title role,” —Stephen Schwartz, Composer
“Plus, I’ve had the pleasure of hearing her sing ‘Meadowlark,’ so I know CSC audiences are in for a treat.” —Stephen Schwartz, Composer
Plot Setting and Story of THE BAKER’S WIFE
The musical unfolds in a tranquil French village where a baker and his wife create more than just fresh bread—they also stir local gossip. The story explores themes of love, temptation, and community life as the villagers’ routines are upended by budding romance and mischief.
Ticketing and Season Information at Classic Stage Company
To secure tickets early, patrons are encouraged to become donors to the Classic Stage Company, granting access to exclusive pre-sale windows and priority seating. Additionally, CSC offers the FlexPass, which allows audiences to select their preferred seats and performance dates for all three productions during the season.
Additional Season Highlights and Venue Details
Alongside The Baker’s Wife, CSC’s season will include the world premiere of Marcel on the Train, co-written by Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater and Marshall Pailet, with direction by Pailet and Slater starring as Marcel Marceau. The Baker’s Wife will be performed at the Lynn F. Angelson Theater located on East 13th Street in New York City.
Anticipated Impact of the Production
This production marks a significant moment for New York theater, introducing audiences to a beloved musical that has not previously received a large-scale staging in the city. With Ariana DeBose’s acclaimed talents leading the cast and Stephen Schwartz’s celebrated score, the show promises a compelling theatrical experience. It is expected to attract both longtime fans of the musical and new viewers eager to discover this unique story in its NYC debut.
