“Bernadette, The Musical” Brings St. Bernadette Soubirous Story to U.S. Audiences With Chicago Premiere at Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture

After captivating audiences across Europe, “Bernadette, The Musical” is finally coming to the United States.

The production will debut on February 19, 2026, at Chicago’s Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, offering American audiences a chance to experience the moving story of St. Bernadette Soubirous live on stage.

Over 400,000 people have already seen the show during its European run, highlighting its widespread appeal and emotional resonance.

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Behind the Scenes: Miracle in the Making

To give fans an insider look at how the French musical was adapted for the U.S., EWTN Studios has partnered with Castletown Media to release a four-part digital series titled “Bernadette, The Musical: Miracle in the Making.”

The series showcases auditions, rehearsals, and the spiritual reflections that shaped the performers’ portrayals.

It also highlights the creative decisions made to bring the story to an American audience, from translations to staging and design adjustments.

Peter Gagnon, president of EWTN Studios, described the series as a bridge between “the profound beauty of live theatrical expression” and “the boundless reach of digital storytelling.”

He emphasized that the project connects viewers to the story of Bernadette in ways that go beyond the theater walls, blending artistry and shared human experience.

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The Story of St. Bernadette Comes to Life

The musical recounts the true story of Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl from Lourdes, France, who in 1858 reportedly experienced a series of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The production brings Bernadette’s journey to life through music, dance, and dialogue, capturing both the emotional and spiritual dimensions of her story.

Lead producer Pierre Ferragu highlighted the importance of staying faithful to the original while making it accessible to a global audience.

He said the collaboration with EWTN Studios allows the story to reach people who might not be able to attend the Chicago performance while preserving the musical’s artistic and emotional integrity.

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Digital Access and Broadcast Dates

The first episode of the behind-the-scenes series premiered on February 11, coinciding with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, and is now available across multiple platforms: EWTN+, EWTN’s YouTube channel, and ewtn.com.

For viewers who prefer traditional television, the series will air on the EWTN channel from March 3 to March 6, 5:30 p.m. ET.

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Inspiration and Reflection for Audiences

In interviews, Ferragu explained that the musical is intended to spark reflection and conversation.

He hopes the story of Bernadette will reach not only devout Catholics but also anyone curious about faith, morality, and personal transformation.

“I hope everybody will take that story and explore their own path — whether questioning what they saw, what it means to them, or how it resonates with their lives,” he said.

The production encourages audiences to ask deep questions and engage with Bernadette’s story on both a spiritual and human level, planting a seed of curiosity and introspection in every viewer.

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What’s Next?

“Bernadette, The Musical” continues its U.S. tour after Chicago, with potential performances in other major cities.

Meanwhile, EWTN’s digital series will continue to release additional episodes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals, creative choices, and the cast’s spiritual journeys.

Fans and newcomers alike can follow the series online and on broadcast, ensuring that Bernadette’s story reaches as many hearts as possible.

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Summary

By Isabella Machin, Trainee Reporter

“Bernadette, The Musical” makes its U.S. debut at Chicago’s Athenaeum Center on February 19, 2026, following a successful European tour.

The musical dramatizes the life of St. Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes and is accompanied by a four-part behind-the-scenes series, “Bernadette, The Musical: Miracle in the Making,” available on EWTN+, YouTube, and ewtn.com.

The series explores casting, rehearsals, creative adaptation for U.S. audiences, and the performers’ spiritual reflections, aiming to inspire both devout and non-religious viewers while offering a deep, human connection to Bernadette’s story.