Currently celebrating its 35th Anniversary Season, Second Stage Theatre closes its production of James Lapineand William Finn's new musical comedy, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE today, Sunday, December 15. The musical has broken box office records for Second Stage Theatre, earning the highest pre-opening advance in the company's 35-year history.

William Finn and James Lapine's sluggish new musical only occasionally hints at the brilliance of its creators.

Tonight, Second Stage opens its anticipated production of Little Miss Sunshine. This new musical comedy is based on the film of the same name by Michael Arndt. It was adapted for the stage by Tony Award-winning team James Lapine, who wrote the book, and William Finn, who wrote the lyrics and music. Little Miss Sunshine's run has now been extended through Dec 15.

Second Stage begins previews for its production of Little Miss Sunshine tonight at 7pm. This new musical is based on the film of the same name by Michael Arndt. It was adapted for the stage by James Lapine, who wrote the book, and William Finn, who wrote the lyrics and music. Lapine and Finn also worked together on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Falsettos. Little Miss Sunshine will run until Dec 8.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director) has found its LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. Nine-year old HANNAH ROSE NORDBERG will play Olive Hoover, who aspires to the coveted title of 'Little Miss Sunshine,' in this new musical comedy from Tony Award winners JAMES LAPINE (book/direction) and WILLIAM FINN (music and lyrics).

Michael Riedel reports in today's New York Post that both LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE and LEAP OF FAITH are considering making Spring bows on Broadway as they evaluate both potential available theatres and 'Best New Musical' competitors. Talking to producers for LEAP OF FAITH, Riedel reports 'When I asked about their plans, they said: " 'Leap of Faith' is planning to open [in] fall 2012. If we were presented with the possibility of a spring opening, we would strongly consider it, but many pieces would have to fall into place to make that happen." But I can tell you from sources inside the "Leap of Faith" revival tent, we're comin', praise Jesus, we're comin'

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, which earlier this year had a production at La Jolla Playhouse, has taken further steps in development. The musical features Tony Award-winning creative team of composer/lyricist William Finn and playwright/director James Lapine.

The La Jolla Playhouse is presenting a world premiere musical based on the 2006 Academy Award winning film "Little Miss Sunshine". And while the show had its shining moments and a cast that matched the subtlety and charm of the original sleeper hit, on the whole it needs a bit of a jump start if it's going to make it down the road to Broadway.

The 2006 movie dramedy Little Miss Sunshine was and still remains such a low-key charmer that to attempt to simulate it on stage with music is at once challenging, courageous and perplexing. Why? Why retell a story that is so perfect on film unless you can achieve a brand new and interesting take on it? I guess Spider-Man and other films being translated to the stage is the rage these days, especially when there's a dearth of original musicals. All this aside, the production values, the cast and the very artistic endeavor of the stage musical Little Miss Sunshine, now at the Mandell Weiss Theatre of La Jolla Playhouse through March 27, should be lauded and appreciated.

The Tony Award-winning creative team of composer/lyricist William Finn and writer/director James Lapine, who previously collaborated on the Tony Award-winning musicals Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, will bring their latest project to, Little Miss Sunshine to The Playhouse. The production runs through March 27, 2011 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

The La Jolla Playhouse is presenting a world premiere musical based on the 2006 Academy Award winning film "Little Miss Sunshine". And while the show had its shining moments and a cast that matched the subtlety and charm of the original sleeper hit, on the whole it needs a bit of a jump start if it's going to make it down the road to Broadway.

The Tony Award-winning creative team of composer/lyricist William Finn and writer/director James Lapine, who previously collaborated on the Tony Award-winning musicals Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, will bring their latest project to, Little Miss Sunshine to The Playhouse. The production runs through March 27, 2011 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

La Jolla Playhouse announced today an exciting new production for its 2010/11 subscription season: the world premiere musical Little Miss Sunshine. The Tony Award-winning creative team of composer/lyricist William Finn and writer/director James Lapine, who previously collaborated on the Tony Award-winning musicals Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, will bring their latest project to the Playhouse. The production will run February 15 - March 27, 2011 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

The first video has turned up from the world premiere of Little Miss Sunshine at the La Jolla Playhouse. The musical features Tony Award-winning creative team of composer/lyricist William Finn and playwright/director James Lapine.

La Jolla Playhouse has just released costume sketches by Jennifer Caprio for the upcoming world-premiere musical Little Miss Sunshine. The musical features Tony Award-winning creative team of composer/lyricist William Finn and playwright/director James Lapine. Below are two of the costumes for 'Olive Hoover.'

La Jolla Playhouse announced today the cast and creative team of its upcoming world-premiere musical Little Miss Sunshine, by the Tony Award-winning creative team of composer/lyricist William Finn and playwright/director James Lapine. Mr. Lapine has enjoyed a long association with the Playhouse, having previously directed Merrily We Roll Along (1985) and Luck, Pluck and Virtue (1993). The production runs February 15 - March 27, 2011 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

La Jolla Playhouse announced today an exciting new production for its 2010/11 subscription season: the world premiere musical Little Miss Sunshine. The Tony Award-winning creative team of composer/lyricist William Finn and writer/director James Lapine, who previously collaborated on the Tony Award-winning musicals Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, will bring their latest project to the Playhouse. The production will run February 15 - March 27, 2011 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

Sundance White Oak Lab has announced principal casting for the production of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. The cast will include Broadway veterans Craig Bierko, Dick Latessa and Sherie Rene Scott. The musical is being adapted by theater vets William Finn and James Lapine. Sundance will also premiere the musical adaptation of 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel.