Leap of Faith, a new musical by Alan Menken to open on Broadway in 2007 - 2008

Award winning filmmaker Taylor Hackford will make his Broadway debut as director of the new musical, Leap of Faith, which is to premiere in the 2007-2008 season.

Leap of Faith represents eight-time Academy Award-winner Alan Menken's latest score written for the Broadway stage. Menken is best known for such musicals as 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Pocahonta's. The book is by Janus Cercone, author of the original screenplay for the 1992 Paramount Pictures' movie starring Steve Martin, Liam Neeson and Debra Winger. Lyrics are by Glenn Slater.

Leap of Faith is the story of Jonas Nightingale, a rock star in evangelist's clothing, who cons his way across the drought stricken farm belt. A consummate manipulator, Jonas meets his match in a beautiful young widow and her son who compel him to acknowledge forces beyond his control -- the power of love, human connection and hope. Through them, Jonas - the ultimate cynic -gets one last chance to believe in something.

Leap of Faith is being produced by Michael Manheim (who also produced the 1992 picture), James D. Stern & Douglas L. Meyer and Steven Baruch, Richard Frankel, Marc Routh & Thomas Viertel.

Casting and venue to be announced.