Leap of Faith Sets April Start Date at the St. James Theatre

As previously speculated, the new musical Leap of Faith will push up its Broadway start date from the fall and begin performances April 3 at the St. James Theatre, replacing the revival of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.

Four-time Tony Award nominee Raul Esparza will headline the show, joined by Jessica Phillips as Marla and Kendra Kassebaum as Sam. The musical is directed by Christopher Ashley, choreographed by Sergio Trujillo and features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Janus Cercone and Warren Leight. Additional casting and an opening night date will be announced shortly.

Based on the 1992 film of the same name, Leap of Faith follows full-time con artist Jonas Nightingale (Esparza) as his traveling ministry breaks down in a small Kansas town. He quickly pitches a tent and invites the locals to a revival. The town sheriff, Marla Humes (Phillips) is determined to stop him from separating the townspeople from their money.

Phillips has appeared on Broadway in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Next to Normal. Kassebaum's Broadway credits include Wicked, Assassins and Rent.

Leap of Faith debuted at Los Angeles’ Ahmanson Theatre in 2010 with a production also starring Esparza and Kassebaum.