The long-overlooked musical The Baker’s Wife, based on Marcel Pagnol’s film, finally opened at New York City’s Classic Stage Company, marking a significant revival since the show’s failed Broadway attempt in the 1970s. With Ariana DeBose starring, this production has captured attention for its compelling portrayal and vibrant ensemble, bringing new life to Joseph Stein and Stephen Schwartz’s work.
Plot and Principal Performances Bring Depth to the Story
Scott Bakula takes on the role of the aging baker, while Ariana DeBose plays his young wife—never having openly expressed love to him—who leaves dramatically before the end of the first act, featuring the stirring aria Meadowlark. The musical centers on a small French village deprived of its baker, highlighting the townspeople’s desperate need for fresh bread conveyed through Schwartz’s expressive score.
Bakula portrays the baker with warmth and gentle devotion, professing love sufficient for both himself and his wife. DeBose’s character, though respectful and committed, is unfulfilled emotionally and becomes the object of desire for the village’s younger man, played by Kevin William Paul. DeBose embraces a less fiery, more reserved character in this role—contrasting sharply with her Oscar-winning portrayal of Anita in West Side Story—creating a palpable tension as she eventually breaks free with two powerful numbers: Meadowlark and Where Is the Warmth?
Supporting Cast and Direction Enhance the Village’s Dynamics
Beyond the leads, the villagers form the true heartbeat of the musical, portrayed with nuanced detail under Gordon Greenberg’s direction. The story is enriched by Joseph Stein’s book, which focuses on the complex relationships of multiple couples, reflecting a community burdened by unhappy marriages similar to that of the baker and his wife.
Actors Judy Kuhn and Robert Cuccioli stand out in portraying these secondary couples, offering both wit and emotional depth that fill the village with vibrancy despite ongoing conflicts. This dynamic echoes the tradition of classic musicals by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, where secondary couples carry meaningful subplots alongside the protagonists.
An Ending That Balances Hope and Uncertainty
The revival concludes with an ending reminiscent of Douglas Sirk’s melodramatic style—essentially hopeful yet tinged with the awareness that happiness is fragile and may soon unravel. This bittersweet resolution leaves audiences with a lasting impression of the village’s fragile emotional landscape.
“If there’s any justice, this long-neglected musical by Joseph Stein and Stephen Schwartz will finally make it to Broadway with this great ensemble completely intact.” ?Unnamed Critic
“He exudes mature warmth and deep affection, telling her he has enough love for the two of them.” ?Unnamed Critic
“DeBose captivates here with her uncustomary reticence in The Baker’s Wife because we know it is only time before she’s going to burst out of that shell of respectability.” ?Unnamed Critic
“To the credit of Stein’s witty book and Greenberg’s talented actors, especially Judy Kuhn and Robert Cuccioli, these characters emerge as a most entertaining community despite all the bickering.” ?Unnamed Critic
“Especially nice is an ending worthy of Douglas Sirk. It’s basically very happy, but you know the harmony is going to slide off-key again very soon.” ?Unnamed Critic
