Bernadette of Lourdes: Musical
Based on historical records, the story of Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl who had visions of a lady in white near the Massabielle cave in Lourdes, France. Filmed live in 2019 at the Robert Houssein Hall in Lourdes.
Where to watch
- Select cinemas in France (April 24 and 27, 2025 only)
- Select US cinemas via Fathom Events (Sept 28 & 29, 2025 only)
theatrical history
Bernadette of Lourdes: The Musical is based on the historical story of Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl in 19th century France who had a vision in a grotto in Lourdes and sparked a phenomenon.
Bernadette Soubirous was born on January 7, 1844, and was the first of nine children. Bernadette was reportedly chronically ill throughout her young life, and at the age of 14 had multiple visions of the Virgin Mary at the Massabielle Grotto in Lourdes. Shortly after, Bernadette was sent away to school at the Sisters of Charity of Nevers where she became a nun and remained for the rest of her life. In 1862, Pope Pius IX in 1862 declared the visions worthy of devotion. Bernadette died on April 16, 1879. She was beatified on 14th June 1925 (a step towards being made a saint), and canonised on 8th December 1933 (formally recognized as a saint). The site of the Massabielle Grotto in Lourdes has become a site of pilgrimage for people seeking healing and attracts millions of people each year.
Producer Roberto Ciurleo was reportedly inspired to create a musical about Bernadette following an unexpectedly moving visit to Lourdes in 2010.
The music was composed by French singer-songwriter Grégoire Boissenot (known as Grégoire). Grégoire had previously written the popular hit "Toi + Moi,” which was composed following the deaths of his two brothers, and the 2013 album Thérèse, vivre d'amour, which set the poetry of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux to music.
Canadian director Serge Denoncourt was reportedly initially sceptical about the project, but signed on after learning the show was not religious in its focus.
According to the show’s official website, the musical uses “historical records from interrogations and investigations by police, district attorneys, and church authorities,” and tells the story of “how Bernadette, the poorest and least educated girl in town, bravely faced her skeptics with character, candor, honesty, and a good sense of humor.” In interviews, producer Roberto Ciurleo notes how the show is unusual in its subject matter in telling the story of Bernadette Soubirous, as stories set Lourdes usually focus on the Virgin Mary and miracles performed at the site rather than the young girl who was the source.
Despite initial local resistance, Bernadette de Lourdes premiered in Lourdes, France on July 1, 2019 at the Robert Houssein Auditorium. According to the official press kit, the 1500-seat hall was refurbished to “accommodate large numbers of people with disabilities or those who are bedridden.”
The cast included 16-year-old singer Eyma, a finalist in The Voice Kids making her professional acting debut as Bernadette, David Bán (François Soubirous), Sarah Caillibot (Louise Soubirous), Christophe Héraut (Abbé Peyramale), Grégory Deck (Commissioner Jacomet), Marine Dadure (Jeanne Abadie), Laure Giordano (Toinette – Swing Bernadette Soubirous), Daniel Defilipi (Monsignor Bertrand-Sévère Laurence – Doctor Dozous – Understudy Abbé Peyramale), Guillaume Muller (the Clerk – the Photographer), Cédric Pelzman (Prosecutor Dutour – Understudy François Soubirous and Commissioner Jacomet).
The initial production played until October 5, 2019.
The show toured across France, reportedly playing to more than 400,000 audience members.
Writing for Musical Avenue, Segolene Boulai described Bernadette of Lourdes as “a major breakthrough in the world of musical theatre.” Boulai was effusive in her praise of Eyma, noting she “plays a charismatic Bernadette…” and claimed Eyma was “A great revelation for the world of musical entertainment!”
In early 2019, Bernadette of Lourdes was performed at the World Youth Day celebrations in Panama for more than 600,000 people.
Further productions were delayed by the pandemic, however the musical has since toured internationally.
In 2023, the musical toured France, and also gave special performances in the Sanctuary at the Saint Bernadette church (Côté Carmel) in Lourdes to honor pilgrims.
Highlights from the musical were performed at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in 2024. The performance, along with a cast interview, is currently available for free via EWTN.
A tour of Italy commenced in early 2025. As producer Roberto Ciurleo noted in press prior to the tour, Lourdes is the most frequented pilgrimage destination for Italians, even above the Vatican.
Just prior to a tour, the Italian cast and crew of the show received an audience with Pope Francis, who officially blessed the show. In addition to receiving a blessing from Pope Francis, Bernadette of Lourdes was elected the official show of the Year of Jubilee 2025.
The Italian cast featured 22-year old Gaia di Fusco in the title role.
In the spirit of the musical’s subject, 1600 people were invited to a preview at the Auditorium della Conciliazione. As noted in the Vatican News, the preview performance was provided free of charge “for poor families, refugees, and volunteers invited by the Apostolic Almsgiving Office.”
The tour officially opened in Rome on January 22, 2025, before playing in Naples, Turin and Puglia. The tour featured a predominantly local Italian cast, and was performed in Italian.
A North American tour commencing in Chicago in February 2026 has been announced, and is co-produced by television star Kelsey Grammer. The North American tour will be performed in English. A tour of Latin America is also planned.
Bernadette Soubirous was born on January 7, 1844, and was the first of nine children. Bernadette was reportedly chronically ill throughout her young life, and at the age of 14 had multiple visions of the Virgin Mary at the Massabielle Grotto in Lourdes. Shortly after, Bernadette was sent away to school at the Sisters of Charity of Nevers where she became a nun and remained for the rest of her life. In 1862, Pope Pius IX in 1862 declared the visions worthy of devotion. Bernadette died on April 16, 1879. She was beatified on 14th June 1925 (a step towards being made a saint), and canonised on 8th December 1933 (formally recognized as a saint). The site of the Massabielle Grotto in Lourdes has become a site of pilgrimage for people seeking healing and attracts millions of people each year.
Producer Roberto Ciurleo was reportedly inspired to create a musical about Bernadette following an unexpectedly moving visit to Lourdes in 2010.
The music was composed by French singer-songwriter Grégoire Boissenot (known as Grégoire). Grégoire had previously written the popular hit "Toi + Moi,” which was composed following the deaths of his two brothers, and the 2013 album Thérèse, vivre d'amour, which set the poetry of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux to music.
Canadian director Serge Denoncourt was reportedly initially sceptical about the project, but signed on after learning the show was not religious in its focus.
According to the show’s official website, the musical uses “historical records from interrogations and investigations by police, district attorneys, and church authorities,” and tells the story of “how Bernadette, the poorest and least educated girl in town, bravely faced her skeptics with character, candor, honesty, and a good sense of humor.” In interviews, producer Roberto Ciurleo notes how the show is unusual in its subject matter in telling the story of Bernadette Soubirous, as stories set Lourdes usually focus on the Virgin Mary and miracles performed at the site rather than the young girl who was the source.
Despite initial local resistance, Bernadette de Lourdes premiered in Lourdes, France on July 1, 2019 at the Robert Houssein Auditorium. According to the official press kit, the 1500-seat hall was refurbished to “accommodate large numbers of people with disabilities or those who are bedridden.”
The cast included 16-year-old singer Eyma, a finalist in The Voice Kids making her professional acting debut as Bernadette, David Bán (François Soubirous), Sarah Caillibot (Louise Soubirous), Christophe Héraut (Abbé Peyramale), Grégory Deck (Commissioner Jacomet), Marine Dadure (Jeanne Abadie), Laure Giordano (Toinette – Swing Bernadette Soubirous), Daniel Defilipi (Monsignor Bertrand-Sévère Laurence – Doctor Dozous – Understudy Abbé Peyramale), Guillaume Muller (the Clerk – the Photographer), Cédric Pelzman (Prosecutor Dutour – Understudy François Soubirous and Commissioner Jacomet).
The initial production played until October 5, 2019.
The show toured across France, reportedly playing to more than 400,000 audience members.
Writing for Musical Avenue, Segolene Boulai described Bernadette of Lourdes as “a major breakthrough in the world of musical theatre.” Boulai was effusive in her praise of Eyma, noting she “plays a charismatic Bernadette…” and claimed Eyma was “A great revelation for the world of musical entertainment!”
In early 2019, Bernadette of Lourdes was performed at the World Youth Day celebrations in Panama for more than 600,000 people.
Further productions were delayed by the pandemic, however the musical has since toured internationally.
In 2023, the musical toured France, and also gave special performances in the Sanctuary at the Saint Bernadette church (Côté Carmel) in Lourdes to honor pilgrims.
Highlights from the musical were performed at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in 2024. The performance, along with a cast interview, is currently available for free via EWTN.
A tour of Italy commenced in early 2025. As producer Roberto Ciurleo noted in press prior to the tour, Lourdes is the most frequented pilgrimage destination for Italians, even above the Vatican.
Just prior to a tour, the Italian cast and crew of the show received an audience with Pope Francis, who officially blessed the show. In addition to receiving a blessing from Pope Francis, Bernadette of Lourdes was elected the official show of the Year of Jubilee 2025.
The Italian cast featured 22-year old Gaia di Fusco in the title role.
In the spirit of the musical’s subject, 1600 people were invited to a preview at the Auditorium della Conciliazione. As noted in the Vatican News, the preview performance was provided free of charge “for poor families, refugees, and volunteers invited by the Apostolic Almsgiving Office.”
The tour officially opened in Rome on January 22, 2025, before playing in Naples, Turin and Puglia. The tour featured a predominantly local Italian cast, and was performed in Italian.
A North American tour commencing in Chicago in February 2026 has been announced, and is co-produced by television star Kelsey Grammer. The North American tour will be performed in English. A tour of Latin America is also planned.
Film history
Bernadette of Lourdes: The Musical was filmed live in France in 2019 with most of the original cast.
The cast included Eyma (Bernadette Soubirous), Laure Giordano (Toinette), Sarah Caillibot (Louise Soubirous), David Bán (François Soubirous), Damien Sargue (Swing François Soubirous), Christophe Héraut (Abbé Peyramale), Grégory Deck (Commissioner Jacomet), Daniel Defilipi (Monsignor Bertrand-Sévère Laurence – Doctor Dozous), Cédric Pelzman (Prosecutor Dutour), Guillaume Muller (the Clerk – the Photographer), and Inès Jeannet (Jeanne Abadie).
The film was first released in France in April 2023 where it reportedly generated $600K at the box office with only two screenings.
In a positive review for National Catholic Register, James Day stated of the capture “Evok[ed] the power of Les Misérables,” and enthused that “the musical drama is a triumph and achieves something largely lacking in today’s American faith-based fare: artistry.”
In order to celebrate the centenary of Bernadette’s beatification, and presumably to generate buzz before the U.S. tour, Bernadette of Lourdes: The Musical was screened in cinemas across North America via Fathom Events and Pathé on September 28 and 29, 2025. The musical was screened in its original French with English subtitles, and Spanish subtitles were also available in select theatres.
The cast included Eyma (Bernadette Soubirous), Laure Giordano (Toinette), Sarah Caillibot (Louise Soubirous), David Bán (François Soubirous), Damien Sargue (Swing François Soubirous), Christophe Héraut (Abbé Peyramale), Grégory Deck (Commissioner Jacomet), Daniel Defilipi (Monsignor Bertrand-Sévère Laurence – Doctor Dozous), Cédric Pelzman (Prosecutor Dutour), Guillaume Muller (the Clerk – the Photographer), and Inès Jeannet (Jeanne Abadie).
The film was first released in France in April 2023 where it reportedly generated $600K at the box office with only two screenings.
In a positive review for National Catholic Register, James Day stated of the capture “Evok[ed] the power of Les Misérables,” and enthused that “the musical drama is a triumph and achieves something largely lacking in today’s American faith-based fare: artistry.”
In order to celebrate the centenary of Bernadette’s beatification, and presumably to generate buzz before the U.S. tour, Bernadette of Lourdes: The Musical was screened in cinemas across North America via Fathom Events and Pathé on September 28 and 29, 2025. The musical was screened in its original French with English subtitles, and Spanish subtitles were also available in select theatres.
cast & creative credits
Theatre: Robert Houssein Hall, Lourdes, France
Film Producer: Kelsey Grammer, Pierre Ferragu, Éléonore de Galard, Roberto Ciurleo,
Book: Serge Denoncourt
Music and Lyrics: Grégoire
Book and Lyrics: Patrice Guirao, Lionel Florence
Lyrics (English Version): Patrice Guirao
Director: Serge Denoncourt Film: Isabelle Julien
Musical Director: Scott Price
Orchestrations: Scott Price
Scenic Design: Stephane Roy
Costume Design: Mérédith Caron
Lighting Design: Martin Labrecque
Sound Design: Colin Gagné
Projection Design: Silent Partners
Film Producer: Kelsey Grammer, Pierre Ferragu, Éléonore de Galard, Roberto Ciurleo,
Book: Serge Denoncourt
Music and Lyrics: Grégoire
Book and Lyrics: Patrice Guirao, Lionel Florence
Lyrics (English Version): Patrice Guirao
Director: Serge Denoncourt Film: Isabelle Julien
Musical Director: Scott Price
Orchestrations: Scott Price
Scenic Design: Stephane Roy
Costume Design: Mérédith Caron
Lighting Design: Martin Labrecque
Sound Design: Colin Gagné
Projection Design: Silent Partners
awards & nominations
Currently no awards or nominations.
research sources
Articles
Websites
- Segolene Boulai, “Review: “Bernadette de Lourdes” at the Dôme de Paris then on tour,” Musical Avenue (Sept 26, 2023)
- Bénédicte Cedergren, “The Musical about Bernadette of Lourdes,” EWTN Vatican (March 4, 2024)
- Bénédicte Cedergren, “French Musical ‘Bernadette of Lourdes’ to Take the American Stage,” EWTN (March 25, 2024)
- James Day, “A Catholic on Wall St. Banks on ‘St. Bernadette de Lourdes’,” National Catholic Register (July 5, 2024)
- Domitille Farret d'Astiès, “A Bernadette of Lourdes more alive than ever” Aleteia (July 22, 2019)
- Kurt Jensen, “‘Bernadette of Lourdes’ French musical coming to America with ‘universal’ message,” Catholic Review (Sept 23, 2025)
- Sophie Peyridieu, “La comédie musicale Bernadette de Lourdes à Rome pour un mois,” ICI (Jan 15, 2025)
- Uncredited, “GRÉGOIRE, THE GENTLENESS AND MELANCHOLY OF AN ARTIST,” RCF Radio (July 17, 2023)
- Uncredited, “À Rome, 1 600 pauvres invités à l'avant-première de Bernardette de Lourdes,” Vatican News (January 14, 2025)
- Uncredited, “Fathom Entertainment and Pathé Live to Premiere BERNADETTE OF LOURDES Musical in Theaters This September,” Box Office Pro (July 23, 2025)
Websites
- Bernadette de Lourdes, “Bernadette de Lourdes: Le Spectacle Au Cinéma,” Accessed via: https://www.bernadettedelourdes.fr/
- Bernadette de Lourdes, “Dossier de Presse,” Accessed via: https://www.bernadettedelourdes.fr/DOSSIER-DE-PRESSE.pdf
- Bernadette de Lourdes Cinema, Accessed via: https://www.bernadettedelourdesaucinema.com/
- Bernadette in Cinema, Accessed via: https://www.bernadetteincinema.com/
- Bernadette of Lourdes: The Musical, Accessed via: https://www.bernadettethemusical.com/
- Britannica, “St. Bernadette of Lourdes,” Accessed via: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Marian-apparition
- Fathom Events, “Bernadette of Lourdes: The Musical in Cinema,” Accessed via: https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/bernadette-of-lourdes-the-musical-in-cinema/
- Instagram, “Bernadette the Musical,” Accessed via: https://www.instagram.com/bernadettethemusical/?hl=en
- Lourdes Sanctuaire, “Centenaire Béatification Bernadette,” Accessed via: https://www.lourdes-france.com/en/centenary-of-the-beatification-of-bernadette-soubirous/
- Lourdes Sanctuaire, “The “Bernadette of Lourdes” recital for pilgrimages,” Accessed via: https://www.lourdes-france.com/en/day-pilgrims/the-bernadette-of-lourdes-recital-for-pilgrimages/
- Silent Partners Studio, “Bernadette de Lourdes,” Accessed via: https://www.silentpartnersstudio.com/projects/bernadette-de-lourdes-le-spectacle-musical
Written by Luisa Lyons (November 2025)