Ariana DeBose Takes the Spotlight as The Baker’s Wife Off-Broadway

Ariana DeBose has done it again. You thought her Oscar-winning performance in West Side Story or those Tony-hosting gigs were the peak? Think again, because this fall, Broadway’s golden child is tackling one of musical theatre’s most enigmatic roles, Geneviève in The Baker’s Wife. And yes, she’s bringing the drama, the vocals, and probably a standing ovation or two at the Classic Stage Company.

A Rare Revival with Star Power

The Baker’s Wife hasn’t exactly been a frequent flyer on theater stages; in fact, this will be the first full-scale NYC production since the show’s inception in a famously troubled 1976 tour. But if there’s anyone who can crack open a character like Geneviève and make her sing (both literally and metaphorically), it’s Ariana DeBose. She’s the kind of performer who makes you lean in, whether she’s belting out the iconic “Meadowlark” or imbuing a quiet dialogue scene with emotional electricity.

Stephen Schwartz, the genius behind musicals like Wicked and the film Pocahontas, had no hesitations about bringing Ariana DeBose on board. “The depth and nuance she brings to her roles is thrilling,” Schwartz said. And that’s not just lip service. A whole lineup of theater greats (Patti LuPone, anyone?) have tackled The Baker’s Wife, but you can bet DeBose will put her unique stamp on it.

And if you’re unfamiliar with the premise of The Baker’s Wife, fix that ASAP. The show is based on La Femme du Boulanger, where a perfect French village is thrown into chaos after the much-younger wife of a baker succumbs to temptation (yes, it’s juicy like that).

Bringing the “Meadowlark” Back to Life

The details of the show have been kept chicly mysterious (in true CSC fashion). Casting and creative team announcements are still in the works, but here’s what we do know:

• When: The production runs October 23 through December 14, officially opening November 11.
• Where: The Lynn F. Angelson Theater, home to some of off-Broadway’s most intimate and cutting-edge productions.

But what has the theatre community buzzing already is the possibility of hearing Ariana DeBose tackle The Baker’s Wife’s most famous track, “Meadowlark.” If seeing her signature powerhouse performance in this iconic song isn’t reason enough to snag tickets, what is?

Why Ariana DeBose Is the Game-Changer

Here’s the thing about Ariana DeBose. It’s not just her triple-threat chops (although, yes, the woman can sing, dance, and act circles around most). It’s that she brings a kind of effortless authenticity to her characters. Whether playing Anita in West Side Story or cracking jokes at the Tony podium, she’s impossible not to watch.

Her resume speaks for itself, too. This is the same performer who’s starred in Hamilton, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and Apple TV’s delightful Schmigadoon! While her filmography lately has leaned into high-octane projects (Wish, Kraven The Hunter, Argylle), musical theatre will always be her home turf.

More Than a Revival––A Legacy in the Making

This fall’s run of The Baker’s Wife isn’t just another off-Broadway revival. It’s a second chance for a show that never saw the glory of Broadway proper in its original debut. It’s a moment for Ariana DeBose to add yet another unforgettable role to her repertoire while helping reinvigorate a piece of musical theatre history.

Classic Stage Company, known for its intellectually daring productions, isn’t kidding around with this choice. Under the directorial eye of Gordon Greenberg, a visionary responsible for London’s 2024 production of The Baker’s Wife, it’s clear that this revival won’t just rehash old tales; it will bring them into electrifying new relevance.

Excited Yet? Get That Ticket NOW.

If Ariana DeBose wasn’t already enough of a reason to mark your calendar, the historical weight, the deep character arcs, and Schwartz’s timeless music should seal the deal. Plus, it’s not every day you get to see Broadway-caliber talent up close in such an intimate setting. (Read as: Don’t wait until it’s sold out.)

The Baker’s Wife is the kind of risky, emotional, big-swing theatre we need more of. And with Ariana DeBose leading the charge, it’s shaping up to be one of the hottest tickets of the fall.