Marquee Broadway talent brings beloved film Ever After to life as a new stage musical at The Phoenix Theatre Company

(PHOENIX, April 7, 2026) –

The Phoenix Theatre Company presents Ever After, a bold new musical inspired by the beloved 1998 film starring Drew Barrymore, with performances from May 6 to June 14, 2026, in the new Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre.

Ever After, a captivating new musical, engages audiences by posing a playful question: What if the world’s most enduring fairy tale wasn’t a fairy tale after all? What if Cinderella, the mythical character, was inspired by a fearless young woman named Danielle de Barbarac; a heroine who, against all odds, dared to defy expectations, challenge a prince, and forge her own future?

The new musical is a reimagined adaptation of the popular American romantic period film of the same name that views the classic story through a fresh lens for 2026 audiences. Set in Renaissance-era France and starring Angelica Huston and Drew Barrymore as Danielle de Barbarac, the film was a box office smash and beloved by audiences. A dynamic creative team will bring the musical to life on stage at The Phoenix Theatre Company with music and lyrics by the award-winning composer-lyricist team Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler and a book by Kate Wetherhead. The production is directed by Marlo Hunter.

“Ever After is a love letter to the power of storytelling — stories we’re born into, the ones we choose to rewrite, and the timeless human tradition of immortalizing those we’ve loved,” said director Marlo Hunter. “We can’t wait to share this romantic, smart and inspiring new musical — and this lush, unforgettable score — with Phoenix audiences.”

Ever After features performances in leading roles by Bailee Endebrock as Danielle and Drama Desk Nominee Jason Gotay as the dashing Prince Henry. Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance man, artist and all-around genius is portrayed by Tony Award® nominee and Drama Desk Award-winning actor David Garrison. Drama Desk winner Lisa Howard plays Danielle’s stepmother Rodmilla.

The creative team for Ever After includes Tony Award® winning lighting designer Jeff Croiter and 3-time Tony Award® winning orchestrator Doug Besterman.

“This production of Ever After, realized by a powerhouse team of artists from New York and Arizona, marks another milestone of The Phoenix Theatre Company’s legacy and enduring commitment to developing new work for the stage,” said Michael Barnard, Producing Artistic Director of The Phoenix Theatre Company. “The opportunity to produce this enchanting new musical in the Dr. Stacie J. & Richard J Stephenson Theatre, our new, state-of-the-art venue, proves that happily ever after is more than just a fairytale. Dreams really do come true.” Barnard added, “Ever After is a witty, powerful, and romantic new musical with a fantastic layered score – a must-see event for theater lovers and newcomers alike.”

In addition to Bailee Endebrock*, Jason Gotay*, David Garrison*, and Lisa Howard* in leading roles, the cast features top talent from Phoenix and New York, including Broadway veterans: Andrea Macasaet* (SIX: The Musical), Jesse Sharp* (Beetlejuice), Michael Kuhn* (Sweeney Todd), Luke Kolbe Mannikus* (Pippin).

Rounding out the cast is Maggie Barry-Torres, Jane Bunting*, Sophia Castelluccio, Kate Cook*, Teddy Ladley, Mia McManamy*, Alexander Mendoza*, Bethany Novotny, Alex Partida, Parker Pitt, Grace Rogers*, Sonia Roman*, Audra South, Cayel Tregeagle*, Kendal Turpin, Andrés Uribe, Jacody Weathers and D. Scott Withers*. Swings include Wesley Bradstreet and Morgan Karam. *Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

CREATIVE & PRODUCING TEAM
Zina Goldrich (Composer) and Marcy Heisler (Lyricist): Award-winning writing team whose credits include Stage Mother, Junie B. Jones and Adventures in Love.
Kate Weatherhead (Book) A writer-performer known for her work on The Devil Wears Prada the Musical and Submissions Only.
Marlo Hunter (Director), who was named a “Woman to Watch on Broadway” by The Broadway Women’s Fund, directed the world premiere of A Hanukkah Carol, Mystic Christmas and Trivia at St. Nick’s for Hallmark, and Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical. She received a Callaway Award for the world premiere of Unlock’d, which she directed and choreographed.
Jeff Croiter (Lighting Design) Tony Award® winner for Peter and the Star Catcher, Something Rotten and Newsies.
Doug Besterman (Orchestrations) Three-time Tony Award® winner for Fosse, The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Scenic design is by Reid Thompson, Costume Design by Kish Finnegan, Sound Design by Dave Temby, Choreography by Billly Griffin, Music Direction by Kevin Robert White.

Ever After is produced in association with Alchemation. Rod Kaats is the Associate Producer for Alchemation.

FEATURED ACTORS
Bailee Endebrock makes her Phoenix Theatre Company debut as Danielle de Barbarac after appearing in the Broadway revival and First National Tour of Parade, as well as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil at The Goodman Theatre.

Jason Gotay also makes his debut with the company as Prince Henry. His recent New York credits include Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center Theater (Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Featured Performance), the world premiere of Teeth at Playwrights Horizons, and Broadway productions of Bring It On: The Musical and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.

David Garrison brings an extensive Broadway résumé to the role of Leonardo da Vinci, including a Tony Award nomination for A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, as well as credits in Wicked, Titanic, and Torch Song Trilogy. He is perhaps best known to television audiences as Steve Rhoades on Married… with Children.

Lisa Howard has appeared on Broadway in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Drama Desk winner) , Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and It Shoulda Been You, receiving a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance and a nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Musical.

Tickets start at $60 and can be purchased at phoenixtheatre.com or (602) 254-2151.
Details
Dates: May 6 – June 14, 2026
Location: The Phoenix Theatre Company, Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre
Tickets: phoenixtheatre.com | (602) 254-2151
Audio Description and American Sign Language interpretation are available for this production. Performance dates and details can be found at phoenixtheatre.com.

ABOUT THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY

The Phoenix Theatre Company is not only the largest professional regional theatre company in the state, with over 600 performances each year on multiple stages, but it’s also the first arts organization in Arizona and a founding member of the Central Arts District. Committed to advancing the performing arts in the Valley, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s mission is to create exceptional theatrical experiences that inspire hope and understanding. For more information about our upcoming shows, outreach programs, and more, visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.