Jill Iverson, Matt Tatone and Emily Jansen as Sam, Jonas and Marla in “Leap of Faith”
Based on the Steve Martin and Debra Winger 1992 comedy
Provided by Hennepin Theatre Trust (Cover photo: Brandon A. Jackson and Sonya Nolen-Moon as Isiah and Ida Mae in Leap of Faith; Photos by Unser Imagery)
A charismatic con man learns about the power of love in this area premiere of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Leap of Faith. Featuring the Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir and presented by Minneapolis Musical Theatre.
The “Reverend” Jonas Nightengale, an electrifying performer and con artist, is travelling with his ministry when his bus breaks down in a small Kansas town. When the part-time reverend and full-time crook pitches a tent and invites the locals to a revival, the sheriff, a woman named Marla McGowan, is determined to stop Jonas from separating the townspeople from their money. Jonas’ real challenge arises when he meets the sheriff and her son, whose love forces an ultimate cynic to take a real leap of faith.
Based on the 1992 comedy of the same name starring Steve Martin and Debra Winger, Leap of Faith features a score by eight-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, Little Shop Of Horrors, Disney’s The Little Mermaid), lyrics by Grammy-winner Glenn Slater (Disney’s Tangled) and a book by Janus Cercone and Tony- winner Warren Leight.
The New York Post calls Leap of Faith “High-energy entertainment! Ridiculously fun!” Leap of Faith is a moving tribute to the power of faith.
Leap of Faith received its first series of workshops in May 2008. In early 2010, the musical was given a developmental workshop with director Rob Ashford. Leap of Faith made its world premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on September 11, 2010. The Los Angeles run was a limited engagement and was positively received.
Leap of Faith moved to Broadway on April 3, 2012 at the St. James Theatre. The production featured Raul Esparza, Jessica Phillips, and Kendra Kassenbaum.
The book was revised between its Los Angeles engagement and Broadway run, including major changes to the character of Jonas Nightengale’s potential love interest, by the film’s writer Janus Cercone and Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award winner Warren Leight.
Alan Menken’s score was inspired by the sounds of gospel, country, and American roots music.
Leap of Faith was nominated for several Drama Desk Awards and nominated in the Best Musical category for the 2012 Tony Awards.
“Pure Broadway razzmatazz! Leap of Faith delivers the goods!” -Wall Street Journal
“Far and away the best musical of the year!” -WOR
Tickets
Leap of Faith
Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 22
New Century Theatre, 615 Hennepin Avenue
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