Renowned singer-songwriter Susan Werner is stepping into the world of musical theater with her original songs for the stage adaptation of the classic film Bull Durham. The production is currently running at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, offering audiences a fresh and vibrant take on the beloved sports story.
The musical has been in development for several years, with past productions receiving largely positive assessments. A 2024 staging in Durham, NC, was hailed by The Duke Chronicle as “a smash hit,” praising the music, choreography, and performances by Carmen Cusack and Nik Walker, who are also starring in the current Paper Mill production. Another 2024 run in Raleigh, NC, highlighted the cast’s athletic and artistic dancing, which brought the stage to life. Earlier productions, such as the 2014 Atlanta, GA, version, received mixed reviews from Variety and The New York Times, with critics noting an uneven score and a second act in need of tightening. Both acknowledged the show’s potential and the strength of its source material.
Werner, celebrated for her distinctive voice and storytelling through song, has crafted a score that complements the humor, romance, and drama of the original Bull Durham narrative. Her work captures the charm of minor league baseball life while highlighting the emotional journeys of the film’s iconic characters. The musical promises a rich blend of witty lyrics, heartfelt ballads, and toe-tapping numbers designed to appeal to both longtime fans of the movie and newcomers to the story.
Paper Mill Playhouse, a cornerstone of New Jersey’s theater scene, brings this adaptation to life with a talented ensemble cast, dynamic choreography, and immersive staging that evokes the energy of the baseball diamond. Audience reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with some attendees calling it “Pure Gold” and praising the acting, choreography, and music. Behind-the-scenes glimpses shared by the theater show the cast preparing and building anticipation for the production. Leading lady Carmen Cusack expressed in a TheaterMania interview her love for portraying the strong, magnetic Annie Savoy.
Since the Paper Mill version has been significantly reworked from its earlier runs, the current reviews and audience responses offer the most up-to-date perspective on this revitalized take. The production runs through November 2, giving theatergoers several weeks to experience this exciting musical.
Tickets are currently available for multiple performances each week, and audiences are encouraged to book early as demand is high for this unique theatrical event. The Paper Mill Playhouse experience combines the magic of live theater with the nostalgia of one of cinema’s most enduring sports stories, elevated by Werner’s fresh musical contributions.
For ticket information and showtimes, visit Explore New Jersey’s Bull Durham Event Page.
