Julianne Moore's Freckleface Strawberry to Get Off-Broadway Musical Debut

Famed Hollywood redhead and four-time Academy Award nominee Julianne Moore will see her children’s book, Freckleface Strawberry, come to life on stage. A musical adaptation of the book will hit New World Stages beginning September 9, with an opening set for October 3. Freckleface Strawberry features music and lyrics by Gary Kupper and a book by Kupper and Rose Caiola, and is directed by Buddy Crutchfield. A cast of adult actors in children’s roles will be announced shortly.

Freckleface Strawberry had its world premiere at the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center in July 2009, featuring Shrek’s Rachel Resheff in the title role. The 90-minute show, which Moore explains is geared toward children, follows its star, a seven-year-old who finds true friendship and acceptance after being teased about bright red hair and freckles. Moore based the original book and character, released in 2007 and illustrated by LeUyem Pham, on a childhood nickname and personal experiences.

“Writing a children’s book was always a dream—seeing the story come to life on stage in a musical is more than I ever imagined,” Moore said in a statement. Best known for acting in flicks such as Boogie Nights, The Hours, Magnolia, The Big Lebowski and the current indie-hit The Kids Are All Right, Moore starred in the Broadway premiere of David Hare's The Vertical Hour in 2006.

Freckleface Strawberry will feature choreography by Gail Pennington Crutchfield. Set design is by Beowulf Boritt, costumes by Fabio Toblini and Holly Cain, lighting design by Jason Kantrowitz and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald & Chris Cronin. MMAC Productions will produce the show.