Between the Lines
A musical based on Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer’s young adult novel of the same name. Billed as “an empowering and enchanting new musical for any of us seeking to find our place in the world.” Filmed live off-Broadway at the Tony Kiser Theater in 2022.
Where to watch
Between the Lines is currently available to stream on BroadwayHD.
theatrical history
Written by mother and daughter Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer, Between the Lines was published by Emily Bestler Books/Simon Pulse in 2012. The young adult romance novel became a New York Times Children’s Chapter Books bestseller. It tells the story of Delilah, a teenage bookworm who discovers that the fairytale prince of her favorite story is very much alive.
According to an interview with The Kansas City Star, Picoult felt the novel “felt like a musical,” and put out feelers to find a team to create an adaptation. Composers Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, along with book writer Timothy Allen McDonald, were brought on to the project. Workshops were held in New York City in March 2016 with Arielle Jacobs in the role of Delilah and Curt Hansen in the role of Prince Oliver.
Between the Lines received its world premier at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre on September 8, 2017.
The production was directed by Jeff Calhoun (Newsies, The Will Rogers Follies), with scenic design by Tobin Ost, costume design by Lindsay W. Davis, projection design by Brad Peterson, and music supervision by Daniel Green. The cast included Arielle Jacobs (Delilah), Curt Hansen (Prince Oliver), Morgan Siobhan Green (Jules), Danny Gardner (Frump), Emily Shackelford (Princess Seraphima), Shanna Jones (Grace), Julie Shaw (Mrs. Brown/Jessamyn Jacobs), Tim Scott (Rapskullio), and Judy Simmons (Mrs. Winx),
Writing for The Pitch, Liz Cook described the musical as “energetic and stunningly mounted” but felt that “the show’s style occasionally eclipses its substance, thanks to an uneven book and a few tepid tunes.” Despite concerns about “the show's gestures towards “wokeness”,” Cook concluded Between the Lines was “a dazzlingly polished production, with star-power performances and moments of authentic theatrical magic that will awe even the most hardened old-timers.”
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre run closed on October 1, 2017.
Between the Lines was scheduled to open off-Broadway in the spring of 2020, however the run was postponed due to the global pandemic and ensuing theatre shutdown. Jeff Calhoun was set to direct, with Lorin Lotarro providing choreography. The cast included Arielle Jacobs, Jason Gotay, Morgan Siobhan Green, Vicki Lewis, Will Burton, Jerusha Cavazos, Pierre Marais, John Rapson, Carrie St. Louis, and Julia Murney.
In October 2021, it was announced that the musical would open off-Broadway at the Tony Kiser Theater for a limited run in 2022. Jeff Calhoun and Lorin Lotarro were again announced as director and choreographer respectively.
Between the Lines commenced off-Broadway previews at the Tony Kiser Theater on July 11, 2022 and officially opened on June 15, 2022. Paul McGill had replaced Lorin Lotarro as choreographer. The cast included Arielle Jacobs (Delilah), Jake David Smith (Prince Oliver), Julia Murney (Grace/Queen Maureen), Will Burton (Frump/Ryan), Wren Rivera (Jules/Ondine), Hillary Fisher (Allie/Princess Seraphima), John Rapson (Dr. Ducharme/Rapskullio), Vicki Lewis (Ms. Winx/Jessamyn and others), Sean Stack (Martin/Troll/Dad/Delivery Person), Jerusha Cavazos (Janice/Marina), and understudies Day Hoy, Heather Ayers, and Martin Landry.
The musical received mixed reviews. While critics generally praised the performances of the cast, Tobin Ost’s scenic design, Caite Hevner’s projections, and Paul McGil’s choreography, the book and score were often deemed lacking. Laura Collins-Hughes, writing for The New York Times, praised the “adorable” leads Arielle Jacobs and Jake David Smith, but described the book as cliched, and the score “innocuous.” DC Theater Arts’ Deb Miller stated the musical was “entertaining, funny, and uplifting, while delivering a serious message to young theatergoers,” though also felt “the largely engaging production could… use some tightening.” Writing for New York Theatre Guide, Joe Dziemianowicz stated “Beyond the derivative echoes, the production shines.” Writing for TheaterMania, Hayley Levitt described the score as “alternatingly charming and life-affirming.”
The musical was nominated for several awards including four Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards (see Awards & Nominations below).
Although the musical was scheduled to run until October 2, 2022, in mid-August, it was announced that Between the Lines would be closing early.
The off-Broadway run closed on September 11, 2022.
Between the Lines is available for licensing via MTI.
According to an interview with The Kansas City Star, Picoult felt the novel “felt like a musical,” and put out feelers to find a team to create an adaptation. Composers Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, along with book writer Timothy Allen McDonald, were brought on to the project. Workshops were held in New York City in March 2016 with Arielle Jacobs in the role of Delilah and Curt Hansen in the role of Prince Oliver.
Between the Lines received its world premier at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre on September 8, 2017.
The production was directed by Jeff Calhoun (Newsies, The Will Rogers Follies), with scenic design by Tobin Ost, costume design by Lindsay W. Davis, projection design by Brad Peterson, and music supervision by Daniel Green. The cast included Arielle Jacobs (Delilah), Curt Hansen (Prince Oliver), Morgan Siobhan Green (Jules), Danny Gardner (Frump), Emily Shackelford (Princess Seraphima), Shanna Jones (Grace), Julie Shaw (Mrs. Brown/Jessamyn Jacobs), Tim Scott (Rapskullio), and Judy Simmons (Mrs. Winx),
Writing for The Pitch, Liz Cook described the musical as “energetic and stunningly mounted” but felt that “the show’s style occasionally eclipses its substance, thanks to an uneven book and a few tepid tunes.” Despite concerns about “the show's gestures towards “wokeness”,” Cook concluded Between the Lines was “a dazzlingly polished production, with star-power performances and moments of authentic theatrical magic that will awe even the most hardened old-timers.”
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre run closed on October 1, 2017.
Between the Lines was scheduled to open off-Broadway in the spring of 2020, however the run was postponed due to the global pandemic and ensuing theatre shutdown. Jeff Calhoun was set to direct, with Lorin Lotarro providing choreography. The cast included Arielle Jacobs, Jason Gotay, Morgan Siobhan Green, Vicki Lewis, Will Burton, Jerusha Cavazos, Pierre Marais, John Rapson, Carrie St. Louis, and Julia Murney.
In October 2021, it was announced that the musical would open off-Broadway at the Tony Kiser Theater for a limited run in 2022. Jeff Calhoun and Lorin Lotarro were again announced as director and choreographer respectively.
Between the Lines commenced off-Broadway previews at the Tony Kiser Theater on July 11, 2022 and officially opened on June 15, 2022. Paul McGill had replaced Lorin Lotarro as choreographer. The cast included Arielle Jacobs (Delilah), Jake David Smith (Prince Oliver), Julia Murney (Grace/Queen Maureen), Will Burton (Frump/Ryan), Wren Rivera (Jules/Ondine), Hillary Fisher (Allie/Princess Seraphima), John Rapson (Dr. Ducharme/Rapskullio), Vicki Lewis (Ms. Winx/Jessamyn and others), Sean Stack (Martin/Troll/Dad/Delivery Person), Jerusha Cavazos (Janice/Marina), and understudies Day Hoy, Heather Ayers, and Martin Landry.
The musical received mixed reviews. While critics generally praised the performances of the cast, Tobin Ost’s scenic design, Caite Hevner’s projections, and Paul McGil’s choreography, the book and score were often deemed lacking. Laura Collins-Hughes, writing for The New York Times, praised the “adorable” leads Arielle Jacobs and Jake David Smith, but described the book as cliched, and the score “innocuous.” DC Theater Arts’ Deb Miller stated the musical was “entertaining, funny, and uplifting, while delivering a serious message to young theatergoers,” though also felt “the largely engaging production could… use some tightening.” Writing for New York Theatre Guide, Joe Dziemianowicz stated “Beyond the derivative echoes, the production shines.” Writing for TheaterMania, Hayley Levitt described the score as “alternatingly charming and life-affirming.”
The musical was nominated for several awards including four Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards (see Awards & Nominations below).
Although the musical was scheduled to run until October 2, 2022, in mid-August, it was announced that Between the Lines would be closing early.
The off-Broadway run closed on September 11, 2022.
Between the Lines is available for licensing via MTI.
Film history
Between the Lines was filmed during its off-Broadway run at the Tony Kiser Theater in 2022.
The film of Between the Lines premiered at BroadwayCon in New York City in 2023.
In early September 2024, it was announced that the musical would be available for streaming via BroadwayHD from the end of September.
On September 23, 2024, BroadwayHD hosted a watch party for the launch of the musical on the streaming platform.
Between the Lines is available to view on demand via BroadwayHD.
The film of Between the Lines premiered at BroadwayCon in New York City in 2023.
In early September 2024, it was announced that the musical would be available for streaming via BroadwayHD from the end of September.
On September 23, 2024, BroadwayHD hosted a watch party for the launch of the musical on the streaming platform.
Between the Lines is available to view on demand via BroadwayHD.
cast & creative credits
Theatre: Tony Kiser Theater, NYC
Producer: Daryl Roth
Co-Producers: Columbia Live Stage, Elizabeth Armstrong, Andrew Paradis, Sullivan Entertainment, Tom Tuft, Writers’ Cage
Book: Timothy Allen McDonald
Music and Lyrics: Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson
Based on the Book by: Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer
Director: Jeff Calhoun Film:
Music Director: Christopher Gurr
Music Supervision: Daniel Green
Orchestrations: Greg Anthony Rassen
Choreography: Paul McGill
Scenic Design: Tobin Ost
Costume Design: Gregg Barnes
Lighting Design: Jason Lyons
Sound Design: Ken Travis
Projection Design: Caite Hevner
Hair, Wig & Makeup Design: J. Jared Janas
Stage Manager:
Cast:
Arielle Jacobs (Delilah)
Jake David Smith (Prince Oliver)
Julia Murney (Grace/Queen Maureen)
Will Burton (Frump/Ryan)
Wren Rivera (Jules/Ondine)
Hillary Fisher (Allie/Princess Seraphima)
John Rapson (Dr. Ducharme/Rapskullio)
Vicki Lewis (Ms. Winx/Jessamyn and others)
Sean Stack (Martin/Troll/Dad/Delivery Person)
Jerusha Cavazos (Janice/Marina)
Producer: Daryl Roth
Co-Producers: Columbia Live Stage, Elizabeth Armstrong, Andrew Paradis, Sullivan Entertainment, Tom Tuft, Writers’ Cage
Book: Timothy Allen McDonald
Music and Lyrics: Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson
Based on the Book by: Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer
Director: Jeff Calhoun Film:
Music Director: Christopher Gurr
Music Supervision: Daniel Green
Orchestrations: Greg Anthony Rassen
Choreography: Paul McGill
Scenic Design: Tobin Ost
Costume Design: Gregg Barnes
Lighting Design: Jason Lyons
Sound Design: Ken Travis
Projection Design: Caite Hevner
Hair, Wig & Makeup Design: J. Jared Janas
Stage Manager:
Cast:
Arielle Jacobs (Delilah)
Jake David Smith (Prince Oliver)
Julia Murney (Grace/Queen Maureen)
Will Burton (Frump/Ryan)
Wren Rivera (Jules/Ondine)
Hillary Fisher (Allie/Princess Seraphima)
John Rapson (Dr. Ducharme/Rapskullio)
Vicki Lewis (Ms. Winx/Jessamyn and others)
Sean Stack (Martin/Troll/Dad/Delivery Person)
Jerusha Cavazos (Janice/Marina)
awards & nominations
Drama Desk Award Nominations
Outstanding Projection and Video Design (Caite Hevner)
Outstanding Music (Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson)
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Jeff Calhoun)
Outstanding Musical
Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations
Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical
Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical (Vicki Lewis)
Outstanding New Score (Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson)
Outstanding Projection and Video Design (Caite Hevner)
Outstanding Music (Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson)
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Jeff Calhoun)
Outstanding Musical
Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations
Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical
Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical (Vicki Lewis)
Outstanding New Score (Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson)
research sources
Articles
Websites
- Laura Collins-Hughes, “Review: In ‘Between the Lines,’ Romance Is Thwarted by Reality,” New York Times (July 17, 2022)
- Liz Cook, “Between the Lines, at the Rep, dazzles but doesn’t go deep,” The Pitch (Sept 20, 2017)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “Off-Broadway's Between the Lines Sets September Closing Date,” Playbill (Aug 17, 2022)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “Between the Lines Live Stage Capture Will Stream on BroadwayHD,” Playbill (Sept 5, 2024)
- Joe Dziemianowicz, “'Between the Lines' review — Jodi Picoult's novel makes for a surprising and celebratory musical,” New York Theatre Guide (July 11, 2022)
- Hayley Levitt, “Review: Between the Lines Is for the Young Audiences Who Fall Between the Cracks,” TheaterMania (July 11, 2022)
- Ryan McPhee, “Musical Adaptation of Between the Lines Sets Off-Broadway Premiere,” Playbill (Sept 23, 2019)
- Deb Miller, “Writing your own happy ending in Off-Broadway’s ‘Between the Lines’ at the Tony Kiser Theater,” DC Theater Arts (July 22, 2022)
- Joe Niccum, “How Jodi Picoult and KC Rep are bringing best-seller ‘Between the Lines’ to the stage,” The Kansas City Star (Sept 3, 2017)
- Frank Scheck, “Between the Lines: Targeting That “Wicked” Audience,” New York Stage Review (July 11, 2022)
- Laura Spencer, “KC Rep Blurs Fiction And Reality In Musical Adaptation Of 'Between The Lines',” NPR in Kansas City (Sept 7, 2017)
- Uncredited, “World Premiere Musical BETWEEN THE LINES at KCRep features rising theatre stars, Arielle Jacobs and Curt Hansen,” KCLiveArts.org (Sept 7, 2017)
- Uncredited, “Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer's Between the Lines Sets 2022 Off-Broadway Run,” TheaterMania (Oct 4, 2021)
- James Wilson, “Between the Lines,” Talkin’ Broadway (July 12, 2022)
Websites
- Between the Lines, Accessed via: https://betweenthelinesmusical.com/
- Instagram, @btlmusical “Hey #BroadwayCon! This year, at BroadwayCon, be the first to see the world premiere of the live capture of the original off-Broadway production of BETWEEN THE LINES: A New Musical…” (May 25, 2023), Accessed via: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsrArpMrKK6/
- The New York Times, “Books: Best Sellers: Children’s Chapter Books,” Accessed via: https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2012/07/29/chapter-books/
- Playbill, “Between the Lines,” Accessed via: https://playbill.com/production/between-the-linessecond-stage-theatre-tony-kiser-theatre-2022-2023
Written by Luisa Lyons (September 2024)