Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose is stepping back on stage this fall to star in The Baker’s Wife, the beloved yet rarely staged musical by Stephen Schwartz and Joseph Stein. Marking its first full-scale New York City production, the revival will open Classic Stage Company’s (CSC) 2025–2026 season with DeBose taking on the role of Geneviève.
Running from October 23 to December 14, 2025 at CSC’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater, the production is set to officially open on November 11. It will be directed by Gordon Greenberg (The Heart of Rock and Roll) and presented in partnership with the Menier Chocolate Factory, Creative Partners Productions, and producer Aaron Glick.
Adapted from the French film La Femme du Boulanger, The Baker’s Wife first premiered in 1976 and features a book by Fiddler on the Roof’s Joseph Stein and a soaring score by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz—including the standout ballad “Meadowlark.” Despite decades of fan acclaim, it has never received a full NYC production—until now.
“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 Stephen Schwartz. “Plus, I’ve had the pleasure of hearing her sing ‘Meadowlark,’ so I know CSC audiences are in for a treat.”
Director Gordon Greenberg added, “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.”
Set in a small French village, The Baker’s Wife follows the romance, mischief, and longing that rise along with the bread. When a baker and his wife arrive to stir up the town’s daily routine, gossip and temptation follow, making way for a touching story of love in all its messy, beautiful forms.
A Full-Circle Theatrical Moment for DeBose
DeBose, who won an Oscar for West Side Story and recently starred in Universal’s Love Hurts, has remained a powerhouse across film, TV, and stage. With credits including Hamilton, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and Apple TV+’s Schmigadoon!, this return to musical theater marks a highly anticipated moment in her career.
She recently wrapped Prime Video’s upcoming Scarpetta series opposite Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, and starred in titles such as Wish, Kraven the Hunter, and House of Spoils. She also made history as the first openly queer Afro-Latina to win an Academy Award and has hosted the Tony Awards for three consecutive years, earning two Emmy nominations.
Ticketing Details
Early access to tickets is now available through CSC’s donor memberships and FlexPass program, which also includes perks like free exchanges, access to special readings, and local discounts. Visit ClassicStage.org to learn more.
The Baker’s Wife will be followed by the world premiere of Marcel on the Train (written by and starring Ethan Slater) and the New York premiere of Thornton Wilder’s final play The Emporium in May 2026.