‘Picnic at Hanging Rock: The Musical’ Announces Greenwich House Theatre Run (EXCLUSIVE)

“Picnic at Hanging Rock: The Musical,” an adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s eerie novel, will begin performances on Dec. 16 at the Greenwich House Theatre (27 Barrow Street) for a strictly limited engagement.

The show boasts a book and lyrics by Hilary Bell and music and arrangements by Greta Gertler Gold. It is directed by Portia Krieger with choreography by Mayte Natalio. The off-Broadway production will run until January 17, 2026.

It’s a story that is probably best known through Peter Weir’s iconic film, considered to be a classic of Australian cinema. This musical adaptation reimagines the story of a group of teenage schoolgirls who go on a picnic to the foreboding Hanging Rock through a female lens. The mysterious power of the tale comes from its essential puzzle — how did three of the girls vanish without a trace. The story takes place against the backdrop of Australia’s wild natural beauty, while offering a First Nations perspective on the exploration of innocence and fate.

Gold co-created the concert production of “Triplight” at Joe’s Pub and is collaborating on new musicals with Susan Bernfield and Stew (“Passing Strange”). Her works include the psychedelic rock musical “The Red Tree” and the touring children’s musical “All Aboard.” Krieger was the associate director for Broadway’s “Seminar,” “Almost Famous,” and “Fun Home.” She has worked at 2ST, Playwrights Horizons, Roundabout, and New York Stage & Film.

The cast features Tatianna Córdoba (“Real Women Have Curves”); Erin Davie (“Grey Gardens”); Sarah Ellis; Carly Rose Gendell (“School of Rock”); Gillian Han; Alexandra Humphreys; Bradley Lewis (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”); Kate Louissant (“A Wonderful World”); Marina Pires (“How to Dance in Ohio”); Maddie Robert (“Gypsy” at Godspeed); Brandon Keith Rogers (“The Heart” at LaJolla); Reese Sebastian Diaz (“Dear Evan Hansen”); Lizzy Tucker (“Boop!”); Kaye Tuckerman (“The Boy from Oz”); Sarah Walsh (“School of Rock”); and Jordan White.

“Peter Weir’s stunning film grabbed my imagination as a young person and has always haunted me,” said Gold. “The chance for Hilary Bell, Portia Krieger and me to bring it to life as a musical featuring so many diverse female voices and opening the story up to a crucial First Nations Australian perspective, has been a dream come true.”

Gold continued,” I’ve always been drawn to darker stories in musicals. It is an exciting challenge to retell this nuanced, female-centered and unresolved tale. It came to Joan Lindsay as a dream when she was 69 years old and has rippled onwards for decades.”

“Picnic at Hanging Rock” features scenic design by Daniel Zimmerman; costume design by Ásta Bennie Hostetter; assistant costume design by Jemima Firestone Greville; lighting design by Barbara Samuels; and sound design by Nick Kourtides. Anessa Marie is the music director and conductor and Britt Berke is the associate director. Production stage manager is Kelly Stillwell. First Nations dramaturg is Nick Harvey-Doyle. Rob Jost is the music Ccntractor.

It is produced by Irma Theatricals. Co-producers are Willette & Manny Klausner, Lara Goodridge, Alec Stais & Elissa Burke, Cordelia Stephens. Associate producers are BJ Jackson, Anna Orszaczky and Karen Robson.

Casting is by The TRC Company’s Kevin Metzger-Timson, CSA and Tara Rubin, CSA. General manager and executive producer is Carl D. White (Martian Entertainment).

Bell’s plays include “Summer of Harold,” “Splinter” and “Wolf Lullaby.”