Get ready to swoon, because the beloved classic The Princess Bride is leaping off the screen and onto the stage in a way that’s bound to spark excitement—and maybe a little debate. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a stage musical truly capture the magic of a film that’s been a cultural darling for decades? A recent workshop of the highly-anticipated stage adaptation suggests the answer might be a resounding yes—with a star-studded cast to prove it.
Led by Broadway heavyweights like Tony nominee Alex Brightman (as Billy), Jonathan Hadary (as Grampa), Kevin William Paul (as Westley), and Erika Henningsen (as Princess Buttercup), the workshop showcased a lineup that reads like a who’s who of theater royalty. And that’s just the tip of the sword—er, iceberg. Gabriel Ebert stepped into the role of Prince Humperdinck, Joel Perez brought Inigo Montoya to life, and Will Mann took on the lovable giant Fezzik. Rounding out the cast were Graham Stevens as Rugen, Marissa Rosen as Valerie, and a talented ensemble including Anne Fraser Thomas, Allison Blackwell, SJ Nelson, and more.
And this is the part most people miss: Behind the scenes, the production team was just as impressive. Mary McGowan served as associate director, with casting handled by The Telsey Office and Pat Goodwin. Emily Whitaker led as associate music director, supported by Alex Greenberg and percussionist Damien Bassman. Stage management was helmed by Davin De Santis, with Kyle Largent as assistant, and Ella Dolynchuk and Zoe Elizabeth Lillis providing script and reader support.
The creative team? Equally jaw-dropping. Academy Award-winning composers Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez joined forces with Tony Award-winning book writers Bob Martin and Rick Elice. Add in music supervision by Tom Kitt and direction by Tony winner Alex Timbers, and you’ve got a recipe for something truly special.
Originally a 1987 film based on William Goldman’s novel, The Princess Bride has long held a unique place in pop culture. Its blend of romance, adventure, and razor-sharp wit has made it a timeless favorite. At its heart is the quest to rescue Buttercup from a loveless marriage, aided by characters like Westley, Inigo Montoya, and Fezzik—figures who’ve become nothing short of iconic.
But here’s the question: Can this stage adaptation live up to the film’s legacy, or will it carve out its own path? Bold prediction: It might just do both. With such a talented team at the helm, this musical could become a cultural touchstone in its own right.
What do you think? Can a stage version of The Princess Bride capture the same charm as the film, or is it destined to be a different beast entirely? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
