Leap of Faith is the Broadway musical bringing the underappreciated 1992 film to life on stage. The story of con man/preacher Jonas Nightengale and his own journey to salvation in the small town of Rustwater received critical praise, but that praise did not lead to commercial success. As a musical, Leap of Faith hopes to reverse that fortune, sell Leap of Faith tickets in droves and finds its own salvation.
The musical has been adapted by Alan Merken (music) and Glenn Slater (lyrics) along with original screenwriter Janus Cercone. Taylor Hackford was tapped to direct when the project first announced in 2006. Hackford is no longer attached to the project. Instead, Rob Ashford is to direct the Los Angeles production at Ahmanson Theatre. Leap of Faith will come to the stage with Raul Esparza as Jonas Nightengale and Brooke Shields as Marva, the waitress who inspires Nightengale to change.
