Inspiration

Leap of Faith is a musical based on the 1992 American dramedy film of the same name. The film starred Steve Martin, Debra Winger and Liam Neeson. The film is about Jonas Nightingale, a fraudulent Christian faith healer who uses his revival meetings in Rustwater, Kansas, to bilk believers out of their money.

Productions

Leap of Faith received its first series of workshops in May of 2008. In early 2010, the musical was given a developmental workshop with director Rob Ashford. Leap of Faith made its world premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles on September 11, 2010. The Los Angeles run was a limited engagement and was positively received.

Leap of Faith moved to Broadway on April 3, 2012, at the St. James Theatre. The production featured Raul Esparza, Jessica Phillips and Kendra Kassenbaum. The production closed on May 13, 2012, after 24 previews and 20 performances.

Trivia

• The book was revised between its Los Angeles engagement and Broadway run – including major changes to the character of Jonas Nightingale's potential love interest – by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award winner Warren Leight.

• Alan Menken's score was inspired by the sounds of gospel, country and American roots music.

• Leap of Faith was nominated for several Drama Desk Awards and nominated in the Best Musical category for the 2012 Tony Awards.