The Princess Bride musical is finally coming to life, with a premiere date set for July 19-August 22, 2027, at the Nederlander Theatre in Chicago. This long-awaited adaptation of the beloved 1987 film and 1973 novel is a testament to the enduring appeal of the story, which has captivated audiences for decades. The film, starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, André the Giant, Wallace Shawn, and Billy Crystal, has been a cult classic, and its musical adaptation has been a dream for many involved in the project.
The creative team behind this production is a powerhouse, with Academy Award-winning composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (known for their work on 'Frozen') and Tony Award-winning book writers Bob Martin and Rick Elice (who collaborated on 'The Drowsy Chaperone' and 'Peter and the Starcatcher'). The direction is in the capable hands of Tony winner Alex Timbers ('Moulin Rouge!'), and the choreography is by the equally talented Andy Blankenbuehler ('Hamilton').
Jeffrey Seller, the lead producer, shared his enthusiasm, stating, 'I read The Princess Bride in college and thought it could be a musical... So it’s no exaggeration to say I have been wanting to do this show for 40 years.' This passion project has been a long time coming, with initial attempts dating back to 2006 when William Goldman, the author of the novel, collaborated with composer Adam Guettel. However, their partnership ended in 2007, and Goldman later approached other songwriters.
In 2013, Disney Theatrical Productions announced their involvement, hiring Steven Lutvak to write the music. David Yazbek joined the project in 2019, and the composing team of Anderson-Lopez and Lopez signed on in 2025. A workshop was held earlier this year, featuring a talented cast, including Erika Henningsen as Princess Buttercup, Kevin William Paul as Westley, Joel Perez as Inigo Montoya, Alex Brightman as Billy, and Gabriel Ebert as Prince Humperdinck.
The Princess Bride musical promises to bring the enchanting world of Westley, Buttercup, and their band of misfits to life on stage, with music, dance, and storytelling that will captivate audiences of all ages. With such a talented team behind it, this musical is sure to be a hit, and fans of the original film and novel can look forward to a magical theatrical experience.
