In a rarity for an Off-Broadway production, Classic Stage Company's acclaimed revival of The Baker's Wife, which officially opened November 11 at CSC’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater, will be recorded by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts for the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive. The December 17 performance will be preserved for the famed collection.

The film will be available to watch by qualified researchers at the Lincoln Center library at a future date to be announced. The archive also has a program that makes its films available in NYC classrooms.

West Side Story Oscar winner, Broadway favorite, and frequent Tony Awards host Ariana DeBose stars as Genevieve, the musical's title role, opposite stage and screen star Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap) as Baker Aimable Castagnet.

READ: After 45 Years, Scott Bakula Is Grateful for a 2nd Chance With The Baker's Wife

Completing the company are Wendi Bergamini (New York, New York), Savannah Lee Birdsong (Little Shop of Horrors), Arnie Burton (Machinal), Tony nominee Robert Cuccioli (Jekyll & Hyde), Alma Cuervo (On Your Feet!), Steve Rosen (Monty Python's Spamalot ), Bill English (Days of Wine and Roses), Zachary Freier-Harrison, Samantha Gershman (Water for Elephants), Nathan Lee Graham (Mid-Century Modern), Tony nominee Judy Kuhn (Fun Home), Sally Murphy (The Minutes), Manu Narayan (Company), Mason Olshavsky, Kevin William Paul (The Outsiders), Will Roland (Dear Evan Hansen), and Hailey Thomas (Little Shop of Horrors).

READ: New York Educators Can Now Show Broadway Archives From the New York City Public Library In Their Classrooms

Read reviews for the starry production, which was recently extended through December 21, by clicking here.

close gallery

0 of

Photos: The Baker's Wife at Classic Stage Company

Next Slide  

You may also like

• 
  Photos: Lawrence Pop-Up Concert and 1st Bows at All Out: Comedy About Ambition
• 
  Anna Christie at St. Ann's Warehouse
• 
  All Out Celebrates 1st Performance on Broadway With Lawrence Pop-Up Concert

The CSC production marks the first full-scale NYC production of the 1976 Stephen Schwartz-Joseph Stein musical The Baker’s Wife, which famously closed before it officially opened on Broadway. Gordon Greenberg directs the production, presented by special arrangement with the Menier Chocolate Factory, Creative Partners Productions, and Aaron Glick. Greenberg also helmed a 2024 London revival at the Menier. The transfer continues a long relationship between the similarly situated companies, where John Doyle has frequently directed, also serving as artistic director of CSC.

"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,” said composer Schwartz in an earlier statement. “Plus, I've had the pleasure of hearing her sing 'Meadowlark,' so I know CSC audiences are in for a treat.”

Director Greenberg added, "Ariana DeBose brings an electric mix of vulnerability, wit, and star power to Genevieve—qualities that not only honor Stephen and Joe’s beautiful work but also ignite it in thrilling new ways. She’s the kind of performer who makes you lean forward in your seat—not just because of her voice, which is extraordinary, but because of the emotional truth she brings to every moment. Watching her inhabit this role will be like discovering the character for the first time."

Based on the film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol, adapted from Jean le Bleu by Jean Giono, the musical follows the arrival of a new Baker and his younger wife, who turn a provincial French village upside down. The Baker's Wife achieved cult status thanks to a cast recording that features Patti LuPone and Paul Sorvino, and a score that includes "Meadowlark," "Gifts of Love," "Chanson," and "Proud Lady."

The production also has choreography by Stephanie Klemons, music direction by Charlie Alterman, set design by Jason Sherwood, costume design by Catherine Zuber, lighting design by Bradley King, and sound design by Jason Crystal. Casting is by The Telsey Office's Craig Burns with production management by Libby JVera/LJPM. Jason Weixelman serves as production stage manager.

For her performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, DeBose earned Academy Award, BAFTA, Critics Choice, and SAG Awards. In doing so, she became the first openly queer Afro-Latina to receive an Academy Award. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, she hosted the Tony Awards, which earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding Variety Special in 2023 and 2024. She also starred in both seasons of the critically acclaimed musical comedy series Schmigadoon! as well as Ryan Murphy's The Prom. On Broadway, DeBose was Tony-nominated for her role as Disco Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical; she was also part of the original cast of Hamilton, also appearing in the film adaptation for Disney+. Other stage credits include Pippin, Motown the Musical, Bring It On: The Musical, and Company.

Bakula, who played Dominique in a 1980 production of The Baker’s Wife at the Cincinnati Playhouse, made his Broadway debut in 1983, starring as Joe DiMaggio in Marilyn: An American Fable. In 1988, Bakula was Tony-nominated for his work in the musical Romance/Romance. He last appeared on the New York stage, Off-Broadway, in The Connector. The actor may be best known for his five-year stint in Quantum Leap, earning a Golden Globe Award and four Emmy nominations. His numerous screen credits also include NCIS: New Orleans, Behind the Candelabra, Men of a Certain Age, Looking, Star Trek: Enterprise, Only Murders in the Building, Divinity, The Informant, American Beauty, Life As a House, Color of Night, Necessary Roughness, Sibling Rivalry, and more.

Visit ClassicStage.org.

close gallery

0 of

Photos: The Baker's Wife Opening Night at Classic Stage Company

Next Slide  

You may also like

• 
  Photos: Lawrence Pop-Up Concert and 1st Bows at All Out: Comedy About Ambition
• 
  Anna Christie at St. Ann's Warehouse
• 
  All Out Celebrates 1st Performance on Broadway With Lawrence Pop-Up Concert