The
Baker’s Wife
Classic Stage Company
November 15, 2025
Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company
The Classic Stage Company production of The Baker’s Wife is lush, romantic, and heartwarming. This Joseph Stein / Stephen Schwartz musical was originally scheduled to open on Broadway in 1976, but, due to numerous production challenges, never did. Joseph Stein’s book is fresh and vivid. Stephen Schwatrtz’s music and lyrics are emotionally stirring. The collaboration between director Gordon Greenberg and choreographer Stephanie Klemons gives this gem of a musical the life it deserves. The staging is brilliant, and the stellar cast is superb.
The people of a small village in France gather to welcome the new baker, Aimable (played by Scott Bakula), and his much younger wife, Geneviève (played by Ariana DeBose). Since the previous baker’s passing, they have all missed the enticing aroma of fresh baked bread pervading the air in the early morning. Aimable exceeds everyone’s expectations with his breads, croissants, and sweet pastries. When Dominigue (played by Kevin William Paul) stops into the bakery to pick up the Marquis’ order, he is smitten by Geneviève. He tries to charm her, but she makes it clear that she is married and not interested. This does not discourage Dominique. He continues to pursue her, until she finally gives in and runs off with him. Aimable is heartbroken and unable to bake any longer. The people of the village unite to find Geneviève and bring her back.
Ariana DuBose
Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company
Ariana DuBose and Scott Bakula are amazing together as Aimable and Geneviève. Their bond is strong from their first entrance, and their mutual affection is palpable. As the audience gets to know them, the flaw in their relationship that allows Geneviève to succumb to Dominique’s masculine charms becomes evident. Geneviève comes to a solemn realization after leaving her husband. Ms. DuBose plays this moment with sincerity in the song “Where is the Warmth?” Scott Bakula genuinely portrays Aimable’s broken heart when Geneviève leaves him. He goes into deep denial, causing a lethargic depression. The scene where he is reunited with Geneviève is skillfully written, exposing the intense despair and betrayal felt by Aimable. Mr. Bakula plays this flawlessly, masking his feelings, then igniting an emotional outburst, then finally addressing his wife with direct honesty.
Ariana DuBose, Scott Bakula, & the Cast
Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company
The passion of the full story is explored through the people of this small village and how they open their hearts to the new baker and his young wife. Judy Kuhn is endearing as Denise. Her husband, Claude (played by Robert Cuccioli), continually takes her for granted. The love for his wife is rekindled when Geneviève returns to Aimable. It is a heartwarming moment. Alma Cuervo is feisty as Therese, who comes to her senses and leaves her emotionally abusive husband, Barnaby (played by Manu Narayan). This adds sadness to the otherwise happy ending, yet completes the story with a simple layer of reality. All the people of the village transform through their experience with the baker’s loss and reunification with his wife. Mr. Narayan and Mr. Cuccioli develop a comically antagonistic rapport as Barnaby and Claude that resolves itself when they partner to search for Geneviève. There are also outstanding performances by Arnie Burton, Kevin Del Aguila, Nathan Lee Graham, Sally Murphy and Kevin William Paul.
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| Judy Kuhn Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company |
The Classic Stage Company production of The Baker’s Wife has been extended through December 21. Ariana DuBose’s moving rendition of “Meadowlark” in the first act is not to be missed. Get a ticket right away!
Domenick Danza
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