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Because of Winn-Dixie Musical to Hold Private NYC Reading Ahead of Broadway Run

The new musical "Because of Winn-Dixie," based on Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Medal-winning novel, will have a private reading in New York City as it prepares for Broadway.

·May 19, 2026·via BroadwayWorld
Because of Winn-Dixie Musical to Hold Private NYC Reading Ahead of Broadway Run

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At the presentation, the role of Opal Buloni will be played by Mae Schenk, with Gabriel Ebert as the Preacher and Damon Daunno as Otis.

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Because of Winn-Dixie, the new Broadway-bound musical based on the Newbery Medal-winning and best-selling children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo, will hold a private reading in New York City on May 22. The reading is by invitation only.

Because of Winn-Dixie features a book and lyrics by Olivier Award-winner Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls, Legally Blonde), a score by Tony Award-winner Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening, Alice by Heart), animal direction by Tony Award Honoree Bill Berloni (Annie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and is directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando (Urinetown, A Christmas Story).

At the presentation, the role of Opal Buloni will be played by Mae Schenk, who will play the title role in the upcoming Amy Sherman-Palladino 's Eloise film for Netflix, with Gabriel Ebert as the Preacher and Damon Daunno as Otis. Winn-Dixie will be played by Gus. The cast will also include Aisha de Haas , John Edwards , Brian Hoffman , Ayvah Johnson , Crystal Kellogg , Carolyn Mignini , Nicole Powell , Loic Sarmazian, Kacie Sheik , Christopher William Smyres and Luciana VanDette .

Because of Winn-Dixie is a warm and enthralling story about the intimate friendship between a young girl and her dog, and how the smallest act of kindness can ripple into a celebration of community. Because of Winn-Dixie has had runs in Arkansas , Delaware, Alabama and Connecticut .

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Broadway-Bound-BECAUSE-OF-WINN-DIXIE-to-Hold-NYC-Reading-20260519)._

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This story is summarized from coverage by BroadwayWorld.

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