‘Girl, Interrupted’ musical to premiere off Broadway this spring

The Public Theater will present the world premiere of the show based on Susanna Kaysen’s 1993 memoir and the 1999 film adaptation beginning in May.

Summary

• A musical adaptation of Girl Interrupted will open at The Public Theater in May 2026
• The show is based on the same-named memoir and subsequent film adaptation about a teen girl’s experiences in a psychiatric ward
• The musical features a script by Martyna Majok and songs by Aimee Mann

A new musical adaptation of Girl, Interrupted is set to make its world premiere off Broadway this spring, playing at The Public Theater in May 2026, with dates to be announced.

Adapted from the 1993 memoir by Susanna Kaysen, Girl, Interrupted documents the experiences of an 18-year-old girl who, after a suicide attempt, finds herself at a renowned psychiatric institution. The memoir captures the realities of life removed from the ever-changing outside world of the ’60s and charts the experiences of her fellow girls in the teen ward.

Kaysen’s memoir was previously made into a 1999 film starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie. The musical adaptation features an adapted script by Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok (Cost of Living) and songs by Oscar nominee and two-time Grammy winner Aimee Mann, an alternative rock singer/songwriter. Jo Bonney directs, and Sonya Tayeh choreographs.

“Martyna is a playwright of extraordinary sensitivity and power; Aimee is a songwriter of unparalleled insight and beauty," said Oskar Eustis, the Public's artistic director, in a statement. "Together they’ve created a breathtaking look at women, mental illness, and the all-too flawed systems America has created to handle them. Heart-breaking, inspiring, and profound, under Jo Bonney’s magnificent leadership, this is a show unlike any other.”

Cast and additional creative team members have yet to be announced.

Girl, Interrupted joins the Public’s 2025-26 Off-Broadway season of nine previously announced productions and more programming. Discover the full Public Theater season.

Check back for information on Girl, Interrupted tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Martyna Majok and Aimee Mann. (Photos courtesy of production; Majok photo by Zachary Maxwell Stertz)