Taylor Hackford to Direct Leap of Faith Musical on Broadway

A musical version of the 1992 film Leap of Faith, to be directed by Academy Award nominee Taylor Hackford, is expected to bow on Broadway during the 2007-2008 season. It will be produced by Michael Manheim, James D. Stern, Douglas L. Meyer, Steven Baruch, Richard Frankel, Marc Routh, and Thomas Viertel. Casting and venue are yet to be announced.

The show will have music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Janus Cerone, who wrote the screenplay for the film. Leap of Faith concerns a con man named Jonas Nightingale who meets his match in a beautiful young widow and her son. The film starred Steve Martin and Debra Winger.

Hackford will make his Broadway debut with the show. He received Oscar nominations as director and producer of Ray, and his other film credits include An Officer and a Gentleman, Against All Odds, and Dolores Claiborne. He is married to Dame Helen Mirren, who has expressed her desire to return to Broadway in the near future.