Musical 'Bernadette' Aims to Charm Believers and Nonbelievers

The story of Bernadette of Lourdes comes to the stage in a new musical production premiering in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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"Bernadette, The Musical" will see its U.S. premier at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture in Chicago on Feb. 19. The musical follows the story of Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old French girl who had visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. The show's director, Serge Denoncourt, says the musical will appeal to both Catholics and nonbelievers, as it's the story of a young person standing up to authority figures.

Why it matters

In France, where secularism is on the rise and priestly vocations are falling, "Bernadette" received rave reviews after its premiere in Lourdes in 2019. The musical's producer, Kelsey Grammer, believes the story will resonate with both believers and skeptics, as it's about someone learning the truth and sticking to it.

The details

Denoncourt approached the work from a historical, rather than religious, point of view. While the songs take some liberty with the characters' feelings, the dialogue is sourced directly from archives in Lourdes that detailed the French inspector's interrogation of Bernadette. The show features a contrast between the imposing Commissioner Jacomet, who believes Bernadette is lying, and Bernadette's diminutive yet strong presence.

  • The musical will see its U.S. premier at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture in Chicago on February 19, 2026.
  • The show premiered in Lourdes, France in 2019 and then toured France and Italy.

The players

Serge Denoncourt

The author and director of "Bernadette, The Musical" who argues the musical will appeal to both Catholics and nonbelievers.

Bernadette Soubirous

A 14-year-old French girl who had visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858, which would later lead to her being immortalized as a Catholic saint.

Kelsey Grammer

An actor who was raised Christian Scientist and is one of the show's producers.

Eyma Scharen

A French actress who originated the role of Bernadette when she was a teenager and is now singing the role in English for the first time.

Steven Martella

The actor who plays Commissioner Jacomet, a character who believes Bernadette is lying and becomes obsessed with finding out the truth.

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What they’re saying

“Believer or not, it's the story of a little girl who goes against the power of adults. So it's the kind of story that we love to tell for centuries, those teenagers who want to change the world. I don't care if she's religious or not.”

— Serge Denoncourt, Author and Director of "Bernadette, The Musical" (ncronline.org)

“There are those who remain skeptics but that's what keeps the story going. I think that's why I want to be part of it. She learned the truth and stuck to it.”

— Kelsey Grammer (ncronline.org)

“When Serge talked about the direction of the show, he said 'It's about a girl when she saw something but no one believes her.' I love this character because she fights for her ideas.”

— Eyma Scharen, Actress Portraying Bernadette (ncronline.org)

What’s next

The musical "Bernadette, The Musical" will have its U.S. premiere at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture in Chicago on February 19, 2026.

The takeaway

This musical about Bernadette of Lourdes aims to appeal to both believers and nonbelievers by focusing on the universal story of a young person standing up to authority figures, rather than solely on the religious aspects of Bernadette's visions. The show's creative team believes this approach can help introduce Bernadette's story to a wider audience.