Phillipa Soo will star as Amélie on Broadway in 2017

It has now been officially announced that Tony nominee and 'Hamilton' star Phillipa Soo will take on the title role in the new musical adaptation of the 2001 French film Amélie, directed by Tony winner Pam MacKinnon.

The musical will premiere at a yet-to-be-named Broadway theatre in 2017, following its engagement at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles from 4 December 2016 through to 15 January 2017.

Ms Soo, who originated the role in the workshop productions of the musical, released the following statement:

"I am excited to step back into the shoes of this character. She is joyous, complex, and determined, in her own small way, to change the world for the better. I'm so thrilled to have the opportunity to be in the room with this amazing group of artists and collaborators."

"Phillipa Soo began the developmental process with us and she is a perfect match for this strong, intelligent protagonist who lives in the magical world Craig Lucas has written and Pam MacKinnon has envisioned. Daniel Messé and Nathan Tysen have written clever, heartfelt lyrics and a rich, romantic score that is beautifully sung by Phillipa. We are thrilled she is our Amelie."

Synopsis: "The musical follows the mesmerizing journey of the inquisitive and charmingly shy Amélie who turns the streets of Montmartre into a world of her own imagining, while secretly orchestrating moments of joy for those around her. After discovering a mysterious photo album and meeting a handsome stranger, Amélie realizes that helping others is easier than participating in a romantic story of her own."

The creative team behind Amélie features musical staging and choreography by Sam Pinkleton, musical direction by Kimberly Grigsby, vocal arrangements by Kimberly Grigsby and Daniel Messé, orchestrations by Tony winner Bruce Coughlin, scenic and costume design by Tony winner David Zinn, lighting design by Tony nominee Jane Cox and Mark Barton, sound design by Tony nominee Kai Harada, and projection design by Peter Nigrini.

Amélie is produced on Broadway by Aaron Harnick, Harbor Entertainment, Triptyk Studios and SBR Productions.

Exact dates, theatre and additional casting information will be released at a later date.

Phillipa Soo made her Broadway debut as Eliza Schuyler Hamilton in the hit musical 'Hamilton,' earning her first Tony nomination for the role. She previously starred off-Broadway in the Public Theater production of 'Hamilton,' as well as the Kazino's production of 'Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812' as Natasha. On screen, she played the character of Lexi in NBC's musical series "Smash" and will lend her voice to the upcoming Disney animated classic "Moana."

- by Tom Millward