Mare Winningham joins Madeline Brewer in the American premiere of the musical “Wild Rose” in New York

Tony-nominated actress Mare Winningham will join Madeline Brewer in the cast of the American premiere of the new musical “Wild Rose,” coming to the New York Theatre Workshop stage this winter — as BroadwayWorld reports. Winningham will play Marion, the mother of protagonist Rose-Lynn Harlan, a role to be played by Brewer, known to audiences from the series “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

The musical is written by BAFTA winner Nicole Taylor — author of the original film “Wild Rose” (2018) and of Netflix’s global series “One Day” — who thus makes her New York theater debut. Direction is by Tony and Olivier winner John Tiffany (“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “Once”), with choreography by Olivier winner Steven Hoggett and Vicki Manderson.

The story follows Rose-Lynn, a young woman full of life from Glasgow, Scotland, who has just come out of prison and burns with talent and charisma: she is ready to leave everything behind to chase her dream of becoming a country singer in America. But her mother Marion insists she settle down, give up the fantasy and care for her two small children. After reluctantly accepting a job as a cleaner, Rose-Lynn finds an unexpected supporter in her new boss Susannah, and the dream comes closer than ever — until she must decide whether risking everything will truly open the road to Nashville.

The announced cast also includes Danny Burgos, Joe Carroll, Annabelle Duffy, Reed Epley, Jackson Parker Gill, Haley Gustafson, Ciara Alyse Harris, Jaye Ladymore, Ada Manie, Linda Mugleston, Emily Grace Schultheis and Bri Sudia; additional casting will be revealed later. The musical will feature songs by powerhouse country artists including Brandi Carlile, Wynonna Judd, The Chicks, Patty Griffin and Caitlyn Smith, alongside the film’s award-winning original song, “Glasgow (No Place Like Home).” The world premiere of “Wild Rose” debuted at the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh in 2025.

Previews at New York Theatre Workshop begin Tuesday, November 24, 2026, with the official opening on Monday, December 14, and performances running through Sunday, January 10, 2027.