Hamilton's Phillipa Soo Replaces Samantha Barks in Broadway-Bound Amelie

Hamilton Tony nominee Phillipa Soo has replaced Les Miz movie standout Samantha Barks in the title role of the musical adaptation of Amélie. Soo is scheduled to play a limited pre-Broadway engagement of the tuner December 4 through January 16, 2017 at L.A.'s Ahmanson Theatre. As we previously reported, the show is aiming to land on the Main Stem in the spring of 2017.

Soo received a 2016 Tony nod for Hamilton; she appeared in the off-Broadway incarnation of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and in previous workshops of Amélie. Her screen credits include Smash and the upcoming Moana. No word yet on Soo's exit date from Hamilton, although creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda recently set his departure for July 9.

Directed by Pam MacKinnon and based on the 2001 French film, Amélie features music by Daniel Messé, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Messé, along with a book by Craig Lucas. The musical follows the journey of the inquisitive and shy Amélie who turns the streets of Montmartre into a world of her own imagining, while secretly orchestrating moments of joy for those around her. After discovering a mysterious photo album and meeting a handsome stranger, Amélie realizes that helping others is easier than participating in a romantic story of her own.

The production will feature musical staging and choreography by Sam Pinkleton, scenic and costume design by David Zinn, co-lighting design by Jane Cox and Mark Barton, sound design by Kai Harada, projection design by Peter Nigrini, musical direction by Kimberly Grigsby, vocal arrangements by Kimberly Grigsby and Messé, and orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin.

Barks led the world premiere of Amélie at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre last year; the company also featured Adam Chanler-Berat, Randy Blair, Alison Cimmet, Carla Duren, John Hickok, Alyse Alan Louise and Paul Whitty.

Further casting for the latest incarnations of the show will be announced shortly.