Can Raul Esparza's new show make the "Leap" to Broadway.

The much talked about stage version of "Leap of Faith" is finally ready to premiere this summer in Los Angeles. The show is an adaptation of the moderately successful 1992 Steve Martin film, about a flim-flam faith healer (Martin modeled the role after televangelist Benny Hinn).

The show, which has been in development for 4 years, features a score by Alan Menken, and was originally set to be directed by Taylor Hackford, best known for his work on the film "Ray". At that point, Hugh Jackman's name was also attached to project in the Steve Martin role, while Kelli O' Hara and Sutton Foster have been attached to previous readings.

Since then, Hackford has withdrawn from the project and has been replaced by Rob Ashford (Promises, Promises). Ashford has also confirmed that Raul Esparza will be starring in the LA production.

This should be an interesting project to say the least. The gospel influenced score would seem to be right up Menken's alley and should lend itself nicely to big, Broadway, production numbers. In fact, Hackford's original interest in the show was said to be largely due to how impressed he was with the music. The bigger question for me is whether Esparza is right for the part ??? I greatly admire his work, but don't know if I picture this being a good fit for him.

Below is a youtube clip from the movie. What do you think?? Can Raul pull of the role?? Is he a big enough name to carry an original Broadway musical?? And after you watch this clip, isn't kind of obvious that this is "Music Man" with a gospel choir???