Imagine the excitement surrounding the workshop for the eagerly awaited stage adaptation of The Princess Bride! This recent event showcased a stellar lineup of Broadway talents ready to bring this beloved story to life.
Marissa Rosen, a member of the cast, shared an update on social media, revealing that Tony Award nominee Alex Brightman took on the role of Billy, alongside a talented ensemble that featured Jonathan Hadary in the role of Grampa, Kevin William Paul as Westley, and Erika Henningsen portraying Princess Buttercup.
The cast also included Gabriel Ebert as the villainous Prince Humperdinck, Joel Perez as the iconic Inigo Montoya, Will Mann as the lovable giant Fezzik, Graham Stevens as Rugen, and Marissa Rosen herself as Valerie. The ensemble was further enriched by the talents of Anne Fraser Thomas, Allison Blackwell, SJ Nelson, Ella Perez, Jawan M. Jackson, Liam Fennecken, Drew Seigla, and Jacob Keith Watson, all contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the workshop.
On the production side, the team was equally impressive, with Mary McGowan serving as the associate director. Casting was handled by The Telsey Office and Pat Goodwin, while Emily Whitaker took on the role of associate music director, supported by Alex Greenberg as the music assistant and Damien Bassman on percussion. Stage management was expertly overseen by Davin De Santis, with Kyle Largent assisting, along with help from reader Ella Dolynchuk and script assistant Zoe Elizabeth Lillis.
Bringing this musical vision to life are the Academy Award-winning duo Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who collaborated with Tony Award-winning book writers Bob Martin and Rick Elice. Music supervision is provided by Tom Kitt, with direction from the accomplished Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers.
Originally released as a film in 1987, The Princess Bride—adapted from William Goldman's novel—has carved out a unique niche in popular culture. The narrative combines elements of romance, adventure, and clever humor, following the daring mission to rescue Buttercup from a marriage she does not desire. Central to this quest are unforgettable characters, including the resourceful Westley, the determined Inigo Montoya, and the endearing Fezzik, each leaving an indelible mark on audiences.
But here's where it gets controversial: can a stage adaptation truly capture the magic of the original film? What do you think? Are there aspects of the story that might translate better onstage or elements that could be lost in the adaptation? Share your thoughts in the comments!
