Video: Christopher Ashley Talks Collaborating With Cyndi Lauper on WORKING GIRL Musical

Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse and director of the upcoming world-premiere musical Working Girl, shares his thoughts on working with Tony and Grammy winner Cyndi Lauper in a new behind-the-scenes video.

Set to debut as part of La Jolla Playhouse’s new season, Working Girl features music and lyrics by Lauper and a book by acclaimed playwright Theresa Rebeck. Based on the iconic 1988 Twentieth Century Fox film, the musical follows Tess McGill, a Staten Island secretary who dares to dream big—and take bold risks when her boss tries to steal her ideas.

In the video, Ashley reflects on Lauper’s unique musical voice and the high-energy score she’s crafted for this empowering corporate Cinderella story. 

 Ashley has served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since 2007. During his tenure, he directed the world premieres of Come From Away, Diana: The Musical, Memphis, Escape to Margaritaville, The Squirrels, A Dram of Drummhicit, Restoration and Chasing the Song, as well as His Girl Friday, Glengarry Glen Ross, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Freaky Friday and Xanadu. He also spearheaded the Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) initiative, the DNA New Work Series and the Resident Theatre program. Mr. Ashley recently directed Come From Away for AppleTV+ and Diana: The Musical for Netflix. Other screen credits include the feature films Jeffrey and Lucky Stiff, and the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS.

His Broadway credits include Come From Away (Tony and Outer Critics Circle Awards), Diana: The Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis (Tony Award nomination), Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk Award nomination), All Shook Up and The Rocky Horror Show (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations). He also helmed productions of Come From Away in London (Olivier Award nomination), Toronto, Australia and on national tour.