Beautiful Little Fool Musical Album Released Ahead of Southwark Premiere

Key Points:

• The concept album for the new musical Beautiful Little Fool was released on 24 October 2025.
• The musical tells the story of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald through the eyes of their adult daughter Scottie.
• Music and lyrics are by Hannah Corneau, with a book by Mona Mansour.
• Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller performs as Scottie on the concept album.
• Ryan Vasquez and Hannah Corneau appear as F. Scott and Zelda respectively on the album.
• The musical will have its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse, London, from 15 January to 28 February 2026.
• The production is directed by Michael Greif; full casting for the stage will be announced soon.
• The concept album was recorded at Renaissance Recording in New York.
• Producers include Mark Cortale, Ross Baum, and Hannah Corneau.
• The first single “So Alive,” performed by Jessie Mueller, is available to watch and stream.

What is the concept behind the Beautiful Little Fool musical and album?

As reported by Andrew Gans of Playbill, Beautiful Little Fool is a new and original musical exploring the lives of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, iconic literary figures, through the perspective of their adult daughter, Scottie. The story delves into Scottie’s rediscovery of her parents’ lives and writings, presenting a fresh lens on their tempestuous relationship and artistic legacies.

The title draws from a phrase famously associated with Zelda Fitzgerald, reflecting the complicated perceptions of her as an enigmatic and misunderstood woman. The narrative hopes to shed light on both Zelda and Scott’s intimate struggles and triumphs as well as Scottie’s emotional journey of understanding her parents.​

Who are the key creative figures and cast involved in the concept album?

Tony Award-winning actress Jessie Mueller features prominently on the concept album, lending her voice to the character of Scottie. Ryan Vasquez takes on the role of F. Scott Fitzgerald, while Hannah Corneau, who also composed the music and lyrics, performs as Zelda. The book is written by Mona Mansour, and the musical is directed by acclaimed theatre director Michael Greif.

The album was engineered and mixed by Ian Kagey, mastered by Oscar Zambrano, and features orchestrations and music direction by Adam Rothenberg. Producers Mark Cortale, Ross Baum, and Corneau spearheaded the project, which was recorded at Renaissance Recording studios in New York.​

When and where will Beautiful Little Fool premiere on stage?

Beautiful Little Fool is set to have its world premiere at the Southwark Playhouse in London, opening on 15 January 2026 and running through to 28 February 2026. This intimate venue will host the live theatrical debut of this much-anticipated musical. The producers have indicated that the full stage cast will be announced shortly before the show opens, with Lauren Ward confirmed in the role of Scottie for the theatre production, alongside Declan Bennett as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hannah Corneau reprising her role as Zelda on stage.

The stage production will be directed by Michael Greif, a director known for his work on Broadway hits, ensuring the musical receives a polished and emotionally compelling presentation.​

What is the significance of releasing the concept album ahead of the premiere?

According to Mark Cortale, the producer who commissioned the musical in 2022 through New Works Provincetown’s developmental theatre lab, releasing the concept album prior to the world premiere has served as a “labour of love” to build excitement and share the story with audiences beforehand. Cortale stated,

“Hannah and Mona, along with Michael Greif, have crafted something incredibly thrilling,”

aiming for the story from Scottie’s viewpoint to resonate on a wide scale.

Releasing a concept album ahead of a premiere is a strategic artistic and marketing move that allows audiences to familiarise themselves with the music and characters in advance, helping to generate interest and anticipation for the live performances.​

What can audiences expect from the lead single “So Alive”?

The first single from the album, “So Alive,” is performed by Jessie Mueller and showcases the musical’s emotive and vibrant tone. The music video of this track, available on multiple streaming platforms, highlights the thematic exploration of life, creativity, love, and the complex dynamics within the Fitzgerald family.

Audience reception to this single will likely shape excitement for the full concept album and upcoming premiere. The song’s lyrics and melody offer an evocative glimpse into the spirit of the show, giving a powerful voice to Scottie’s character as she navigates her family legacy.

What are other important production details of the album?

The concept album’s sound has been carefully crafted: orchestrations and music direction were led by Adam Rothenberg, with contributions by pianist Rothenberg, guitarist Ethan Packchar, bassist Yuka Tadano, and drummer Josh Roberts. Ian Kagey handled engineering and mixing duties, overseeing the recording quality to ensure a polished final product. It was mastered by Oscar Zambrano to industry standards for the release date of 24 October 2025.

The concept album is available on all major streaming platforms, expanding its accessibility to theatre lovers and Fitzgerald enthusiasts globally.

How is the Beautiful Little Fool musical positioned in today’s theatre landscape?

Set to premiere in London, Beautiful Little Fool enters a theatre scene eager for biographical stories with fresh perspectives. By focusing on Scottie Fitzgerald’s voice, the musical offers a new angle on the chronicled lives of two of America’s most famous 20th-century cultural figures. This not only appeals to fans of literature but also to new audiences interested in family dynamics, mental health, creativity, and the pressures of legacy.

Moreover, the involvement of theatre veterans like Jessie Mueller and Michael Greif, combined with vibrant, contemporary musical composition, positions the show as a noteworthy upcoming production in British and international theatre.​

The release of the Beautiful Little Fool concept album marks a significant milestone ahead of its Southwark Playhouse debut in January 2026. With a compelling storyline, powerhouse performances on the album, and a creative team led by experienced professionals, the musical promises to illuminate the Fitzgerald family legacy through a vibrant and personal lens, delivered through evocative music and storytelling.