A musical chronicling the remarkable life of country music legend Loretta Lynn is in the works, with Sutton Foster donning the lead role with utmost panache. Jeanine Tesori, an acclaimed Tony Award-winning composer whose credits include "Fun Home," "Kimberly Akimbo," "Caroline, or Change," and "Thoroughly Modern Millie," among others, is crafting the show's musical score. Sam Gold, another Tony Award-winner renowned for his direction in "Fun Home" alongside Tesori, as well as recent stagings of "Romeo+Juliet" and "An Enemy of the People," has signed on to helm this theatrical endeavor.
Entitled "Coal Miner’s Daughter," this musical is deeply inspired by the 1980 film and Lynn's autobiography, tracing her journey from the humble confines of rural Kentucky to her ascension as a country music superstar. The stage production promises to immerse audiences in a symphony of Lynn's hit songs, such as "I’m a Honky Tonk Girl" and the title track "Coal Miner’s Daughter," while delving deeper into her narrative than the film ever did.
In a prior announcement made in 2012, Lynn revealed her excitement about Zoey Deschanel portraying her in a Broadway musical based on her life. The producing powerhouse behind this venture comprises Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Bee Carrozzini, and ATG Entertainment. Serving as consulting producers are Patsy Lynn, Loretta's manager, producer, and daughter, alongside Nancy Russell, her long-standing advisor.
Foster, a double Tony Award-winner, has recently wowed Broadway audiences in "The Music Man," "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," and "Once Upon a Mattress." Her Tony triumphs were secured for her stellar performances in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "Anything Goes."
In a heartfelt statement, Lynn's family expressed, "We are immensely grateful that our mother's life story and music will continue to resonate with audiences, standing as a testament to the American dream. As one of the final creative projects that filled our mom with such fervent passion, we are thankful she witnessed the nascent stages of Sutton's heartfelt portrayal of Loretta. Mom was utterly enchanted by her and believed she embodied the perfect essence to bring her story to life on stage. The family is deeply touched by this exceptional team's unwavering commitment to preserving her legacy."
