“Coal Miner’s Daughter,” a stage musical recounting the life and career of country music singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn, is in development. Tony Award winner Sutton Foster has signed on to headline the musical which is based on the 1980 film and 1976 autobiography of the same name, the latter of which was written by Lynn and George Vecsey.
The musical is being produced by Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Bee Carrozzini and ATG Entertainment. Lynn’s daughter, manager and producer, Patsy Lynn, and longtime advisor, Nancy Russell, will serve as consulting producers.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” chronicles Kentucky-born Lynn’s rise from her humble beginnings to her country music stardom. The musical will feature songs made famous by Lynn, whose six-decade career was marked by three Grammy Awards (out of 18 total nominations), multiple Country Music Association Awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Tony-winning director Sam Gold is slated to direct the musical, which will feature music production by Tony winner Jeanine Tesori. The musical will mark a reunion for Gold and Tesori, as well as Tesori and Foster. Gold won a Tony for helming 2015’s “Fun Home,” a musical whose score earned Tesori her first of two Tony Awards. Tesori provided Tony-nominated music for 2002’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which starred Foster in the first of her two Tony-winning performances. Foster and Tesori last collaborated on 2008’s “Shrek” and 2014’s “Violet.”
“We are so grateful to see that our mother’s life story and music will continue to touch the hearts of audiences and remain an important statement of the American dream,” Lynn’s family said in a joint statement. “As one of the last creative projects our mom was so passionate about, we are thankful that she had the opportunity to experience the initial stages of Sutton’s sincere portrayal of Loretta. Mom absolutely fell in love with her and thought she was just the right person to play her onstage. The family is moved by this incredible team's commitment to her legacy.”
