Jack O'Brien, who is directing the production, said in a statement, “I’ve always believed Maria was a 'star-making' part, rather than the leading role we remember from the movies; so I went looking for someone with star-making magic,” said director O’Brien in a statement. “And in through the audition door one day walked Kerstin Anderson, still studying at Pace University in New York. She opened her mouth, she sang and the tears welled up in my eyes. If ever there were an enchanting young woman standing on the brink of discovery — this was it! And now, the discovery is about to be all of ours!”
Various clips of Anderson singing are available on her YouTube page, including the title song from the Pace University production of The Light in the Piazza, which was directed by original Piazza star, Tony winner Victoria Clark.
Here, Anderson offers "Ready To Be Loved" from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's Edges.
