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@TheTonyAwards: We'd like to congratulate Francesca Bridgerton for winning Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) written for the theater for @TheMatchBroadway. This is Bridgerton’s first nomination and first win.
Fran never set out to win a Tony. She never even set out to write a musical. Her plan in life was to play piano for the London Philharmonic and compose one day. She had decided that at 13 years old and never had a desire to deviate from it until last year. It started when Daphne was trying to write a musical while at Aubrey Hall.
That summer, Fran was finishing her master's degree in Musical Performance, preparing for her audition with the London Philharmonic when Daphne had cornered her and asked for a little help.
“I just need you to play the music while I sing the lyrics. So I can hear it,” Daphne begged and stood over Fran as Fran tried to arrange her music. Fran sighed and nodded, taking pity on her oldest sister. Daphne quietly squealed and handed over the music.
Fran had always loved music. She started playing the piano at 5 because she kept interrupting Daphne’s lessons at home. She had quickly surpassed Daphne’s skills, her mother’s, and Aunt Winnie’s before she went to a musical secondary school for a few years before uni. Music was Fran’s life source - the one thing that calmed her when she was overwhelmed, the one thing that helped her organize her thoughts when she didn’t know how to respond to the people around her. It was the thing that connected her to her father, who also played the piano, and to Daphne, who was so different from her.
That afternoon, they sat in the vast music room alone, sharing the piano bench just like they did when they were girls. Fran played Daphne’s song in front of her: The First Diamond of the Water and Daphne sang the lyrics she scribbled above the stanzas. The song was nice but Fran could hear how to make it better. It was as if the notes were calling for her to change them and put them in the right position. Before she could stop herself, she grabbed Daphne’s pencil and marked all over her music.
Fran felt outside of herself, just like she did when she first heard Daphne play the piano and had to join her. When she was done, she looked at Daphne who nodded and she started over.
The next two weeks at Aubrey went the same way:
Daphne would present a new song. Fran would mark it up.
Daphne would work on the lyrics. Fran would give alternatives.
Daphne wrote the story around the songs after dinner. She’d tell Fran about it over breakfast.
Their siblings had looked at them confused but didn’t bother them. Fran and Daphne had not spent this much time together since they were young girls but everyone was just happy to see Fran chatty for once. Fran was enjoying herself and had even postponed her audition because while she hated going against her plan, she and Daphne had something.
@TheTonyAwards: We'd like to congratulate Daphne Bridgerton for winning Best Book of a Musical for @TheMatchBroadway. This is Bridgerton’s first nomination and first win.
The Bridgertons were a film and television family by trade. Their father, Edmund Bridgerton, was known for playing Alexander Grant on the long-running drama Grant Rules on HBO in the 1980s and his brother and sisters had acted in many Disney movies, theatrical and television. He had met their mother Violet Ledger on set in the last season of the show and by the time it aired, they were married and their mother was pregnant with Anthony.
Anthony and Benedict had acted in projects when they were young, playing the kid versions of their dad in movies. Their mother Violet still ran the production company with their Aunts Billie and Georgie.
The Bridgertons were not known for writing per se, and they were not known for working in theater.
“Darlings, while I’m sure that you think you have something here. I don’t quite know if you should be showing it to us so early.” their mother sat on the settee in the music room and folded her hands in her lap. Fran looked up at Daphne who huffed in annoyance. Fran looked at everyone else.
Eloise had her face buried in her phone, probably texting Penelope. Benedict yawned behind his hand and stole a cookie from the plate in Colin’s lap. Gregory and Hyacinth sat on the floor, trying to look interested but kept bothering each other. Anthony was the only one looking at them but he kept sneaking glances down at his phone.
“Just listen to the first song, please. If it’s not good. Then you are free to leave.” Daphne begged before giving Fran a nod. Fran focused on the pages and did what she does best. She heard Daphne start singing and tried to not focus on what was going on. The noise of her siblings faded away and when the song was over, Fran looked up to the stunned looks of the rest of her family.
“Girls, that is - you wrote this in June?” their mother asked.
“Well, I’ve been writing it for about a year. Fran got it over the line.” Daphne said. She reached back and Fran gave her hand a quick squeeze.
“It’s…” Benedict started.
“What’s the next song?” Eloise asked.
“You want to hear the rest?” Daphne asked.
“Yes. We do. It’s beautiful.” Mother whispered.
Daphne turned and handed Fran the next stack. They played the next song, then the third, and finished the first act.
“Daphne. Francesca. I think you have something here.” Anthony smiled at them.
@TheTonyAwards: @TheMatchBroadway finishes its night with the Tony for Best Musical. This show is a true family affair, with producers Anthony Bridgerton and Violet Bridgeton accepting on behalf of Bridgerton Productions. It’s their first nomination and first win.
Fran rubbed her fingertips on the fabric of Benedict’s suit sleeve as they sat in the audience of the award show. It was loud and Fran would have liked to stay home but Anthony and Mother said it wouldn’t be polite and Daphne had asked her to come with because she was so nervous. Her award sat in her lap as the audience waited to hear who won Best Play. She felt Benedict put his hand over her fingers and she looked at him and saw his grin before he leaned back. Daphne leaned over his lap.
“Are you okay?” Daphne whispered.
Fran shook her head and shrugged. She was very overstimulated. She had been since her name was called. She didn’t remember what she said but Daphne and Anthony had given her a grin so she knew it wasn’t terrible.
“I told Mother that we’re going home after this. They can do the parties for us.” Daphne said.
“I’ll do the parties for you.” Benedict grinned.
“You need a party like you need a hole in the head,” Daphne grumbled. Daphne leaned back when Anthony and Mother came back and sat down, Anthony next to Fran.
“Look at us, matching.” He whispered at her, holding up his award. Fran grinned and held hers up too.
“I’m proud of you, Franny,” he said before leaning over. She nodded and he kissed her cheek.
“Why is Mother talking to Agatha Danbury?” Daphne asked. Fran looked over and saw that Benedict and Daphne switched seats.
Anthony and Fran looked where Daphne was and saw their mother leaning forward and talking with legend of the stage and screen Agatha Danbury who sat in front of her.
“I have no idea,” Anthony said. “It can only be good though.”
@Variety: Fresh off their 5 #TonyAwards wins, @TheMatchBroadway will be adapted for the big screen. @DaphneBridgerton and @FrancescaB are reported to be adapting their project along with television standout @PenFeather, known for @LadyWNetflix. It will be co-produced by @BridgetonProductions and @CrownStudios.
It turned out that their mother was talking to Agatha Danbury about the opportunity to see The Match of the Season on a movie screen. The Bridgertons were moving back to the domain that they were comfortable in. Mother was excited to make a large motion picture again, the first since their father’s death. Anthony was excited because he had finally convinced Mother to let him run this project solo. Mother had been reluctant but Colin’s script was dragging, and Anthony was not able to get Colin to get a draft in on deadline. Aunt Billie and Aunt Georgie were exasperated at this point so Mother had to work her magic on Colin and Anthony was with Fran and Daphne on this.
Of course, Mother won’t let them come to the first meeting without her. Fran sighed next to Daphne while their mother shook hands with the woman who just walked into the conference room followed by several young women and a balding man. Fran looked around the space, marveling at all the movie posters on the walls. Crown Studios was a good place for the movie to land, according to Mother and Anthony but Fran knew that more people meant more expectations and more opinions. Match would not be hers and Daphne’s anymore. Fran knew that this was the difference between film and theater but that didn’t mean she had to like it.
“Girls, I want to introduce you to Charlotte Mecklenburg, the head of the studio, and Vice President John Brimsley.” their mother introduced them with a smile. Charlotte was an intimidating woman, with an intricate braided bun on the top of her head and eyes that seemed to be sizing them all up the moment they walked in the door. Daphne immediately shook her hand and told her how excited they were to be working with her. Fran nodded in agreement and decided not to say anything.
Their mother gives Anthony a look and he hangs up the phone and joins the table.
“I apologize for that, Charlotte.”
Charlotte waved him off and sat down. “Now let’s talk about The Match of the Season. It’s already our diamond here at the studio.”
Fran gives a polite laugh along with everyone else.
“We are very excited to have this on the slate. We’re moving some things out of the way so you all can get started immediately.”
“Oh, well, that’s good,” Anthony responded. “I’m sure we should talk about directing and possible leads…”
Charlotte bulldozed right over him. “We’re fine with Penelope Featherington co-writing with you two. Lady Whistledown is one of ours and she’s wonderful. This will be a good first film for her. For leads, we’ve already picked two. Brimsley?”
Brimsley looked up from his phone. “I believe it was Freddy King and Edwina Sharma.”
“Ah yes, your prince and your diamond. Wonderful choices, yes?”
“Well, normally we would have an auditioning process, right? At least have a director?” Daphne asked.
“Our marketing team informed us that they tested the highest,” Brimsley stated and went back into his phone.
“Splendid, I do believe they will be a most inspired choice. Now, as for directors. We can have your pick from an approved group. Nigel Berbrooke. Jack Featherington is coming off his film, "What was it about, Brimsely?”
“Mining in colonial America.”
“Yes, perfect Oscar bait. He’s done Whistledown and The Farmer King. He can do period pieces. And he’s Penelope’s cousin, so there you go.”
“Well, Charlotte.” Fran looked at Mother who leaned forward on the table and smiled. “The girls were hoping to have a woman direct the movie. Are there any directors who would be a good fit?”
Charlotte huffed and leaned back. She snapped and a girl held an iPad in front of her. Charlotte scrolled. “Stirling. She did a few episodes of Lady Whistledown. The ratings are good. The buzz too.”
“She’s never done a film this large,” Brimsley pointed out.
“She gets great performances. Besides, the Bridgertons are excellent with a budget. I’m sure you will keep everything on schedule. I’ll add her to your list. They’ll meet you tomorrow at your office. Is there anything else?"
They all shake their heads.
“Fantastic. I am most excited to see what you all come up with.”
@THR: Reports are saying that there are three finalists for the directing chair for #TheMatchoftheSeasonfilm, who will gain Queen Charlotte’s favor and be crowned!
Nigel Berbrooke stared at Daphne’s breasts through their entire meeting and decided to hit on her rather than talk about Match. He could barely tell them what the story was about nor what excited him about the project. Fran decided 2 minutes into the interview not to say a word and she didn't think that Berbrooke even noticed her in the room. By the end of it, Anthony practically threatened to castrate him before he threw him out. He slammed the door shut behind Berbrooke. Fran had never been happier for the fact that Anthony and Daphne said she could just sit in the back corner out of view and observe.
“So, that was Berbrooke.” Anthony sighed and rubbed his hands over his face.
“Obviously no,” Daphne confirmed and scratched his name off the list. The door opened and Hyacinth stuck her head in the door. “Jack Featherington canceled.”
“What?” Anthony barked out. “Why?”
Hyacinth shrugged. “Something about not being able to get back to London? I don’t know, his assistant was vague. But Michaela Stirling is here.”
“Just give us 5, Hy,” Daphne said and Hyacinth nodded before shutting the door.
“Did one of you watch her work?” Anthony asked as he tried to fix his tie.
Daphne slapped his hands away and fixed it. “I thought that was your homework. I did the Berbrooke research.”
“Mother had me read Colin’s script draft again.”
“It’s still not finished?” Daphne sighed.
“No. I’m tempted to ask Pen to take a stab at it but she’s deep in Charlotte’s notes.”
Daphne finished and leaned back. “Franny? What about you?”
“I saw a few things. But I ended up watching her acting clips.”
“She’s an actor?” Daphne asked. “Anything we would have seen?”
“Mainly when she was a kid but she won a Tony for that Dickens musical? She played Oliver Twist. She was phenomenal.” Fran whispered.
“Hardest job of my life but worth it.” a voice said.
They all turn to see a petite dark-skinned woman wearing jeans and a black button-up standing in their doorway with Hyacinth behind her, giving them a nod and thumbs up.
“Michaela Stirling.” Michaela reached her hand out and shook their hands.
“Anthony. These are my sisters Daphne and Francesca.”
“Better known as Book and Score,” Michaela said and pointed at Daphne and then Fran herself.
“So you are familiar with Match ?” Daphne asked while Michaela sat.
Michaela nodded. “I saw it four times. Once in previews. Three times on Broadway.”
Anthony blinked in shock and looked at Daphne. “And your thoughts?”
“Well, I’m here. It’s a great story and this is a great opportunity.” Her brother and sister nodded in appreciation before writing notes. Fran knew a nonanswer when she heard one.
“What do you really think?” Fran asked.
Michaela looked at her for a long moment before she smirked. “I think the story is a familiar one. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Everyone likes the story of two beautiful people following in love. I think the things that elevate it from average to exceptional are your true love story and your music. I don’t mean to flatter but the music is simply fantastic.”
“And what’s the true love story?” Fran asked.
“The Spinster and the Duke, of course.” Michaela starts talking with her hands at this point. “Two young people falling in love is always nice. There is a reason Romeo and Juliet is still popular. But the Spinster and the Duke, are two people who have lived life, who have loved before. Who loved each other before. They see each other after years apart and decide to fall in love again. A true love story for adults.”
Fran watched Michaela’s eyes spark as she explained herself. She can see her passion for their story and how much she enjoyed it. It’s refreshing.
“So we wrote a trojan horse?” Daphne asked.
“The best stories are,” Michaela responded.
“Are you aware that the story is changing a bit?” Anthony asked.
“Pen told me a bit. Nothing to get her in trouble.”
“You and Pen are close?” Fran asked.
“I like to think so. I usually get her favorite episodes.” Michaela said. “She’s also told me you already got Edwina Sharma and Freddy King cast.”
“How do you feel about that?” Daphne asked.
“Doable. I’ve worked with Freddy before. If you direct him correctly, you can get a great performance. Edwina is a great actress. She’s going to be a perfect diamond.” Michaela squinted. “I would want control of the casting of the Duke and Spinster anyway. I know Charlotte is not going to care about that. She cares about what the poster is going to look like.”
Daphne nodded. “Well, this has been most productive. We have some other people to meet but we’ll let you know.”
Michaela stood up. “Of course. Pleasure meeting you all. And if I don’t see you again, I wish you luck.”
“Who would you cast as the Duke and Spinster?” Fran asked.
Michaela thought about it. “For the Duke, Simon Basset would be good. He doesn’t do period pieces. Be a very refreshing pick.”
“And your spinster?” Anthony asked. “We were thinking of Siena Russo.”
“Siena knows the role. But you don’t want to bring only one person from the Broadway show, it looks weird.” Michaela shook her head. “I’d have to beg her to do it but Kate Sharma. Kate could do it.”
“Kate Sharma doesn’t sing anymore,” Daphne said.
“Hence the begging.” Michaela waved at them and exited the office.
Daphne chewed her pen. “She’s the best one we’ve seen.”
Anthony nodded. “I’d still like to meet with a few more directors. Maybe Fife. I know Cho is looking for a challenge.”
“It’s her,” Fran said. Anthony and Daphne looked at her. She didn't speak in absolutes like this but Fran knew that Michaela was someone they could trust with their baby.
“Are you sure?” Daphne asked.
Fran nodded. “She’s the only one who will treat it like we would.” Daphne gave Fran a nod back.
“Well, if you two agree, I’ll let Mother know.”
@Variety: #TheMatchoftheSeasonfilm director has been chosen. Tony and Grammy award winner @DirectedbyMichaela, best known by younger audiences for directing THAT sex scene in @LadyWNetflix, and her 2021 @SundanceFilmFestival winner #TheMerryRake.
“So, Michaela Stirling.” Mother asked at Sunday dinner. She glanced between Fran and Daphne while handing the green beans to Gregory. Around the table, Eloise texted on her phone while Benedict and Colin talked about the latest Fast and Furious spin-off movie they just saw in theaters. Anthony was also on his phone.
“She was the best choice, Mama,” Daphne said. “Passionate about Match and she got Franny to ask questions.”
“She did?” Her mother looked at her with a small smile.
Fran nodded. “She said she saw it four times.”
“I watched her movie and it was very funny,” Daphne added.
“Pen loves it when Michaela is on set. Everything runs smoothly and everyone has fun.” Eloise adds. “Even if she was terrible, she’s better than hiring Cousin Jack.”
“I just assumed you would go with Berbrooke since he has the most experience.” Mother frowned at them. “We want someone that Charlotte is going to like.”
“I think our best play is to have someone that will give Charlotte what she wants and what Daphne and Fran want.” Anthony looked up and set his phone down on the table. “You should have seen her mother. She gets the story. She respects the project. She is going to do great.”
“Well, as long as you all agree. This is your project, Anthony. Now Colin, how is your draft going?”
Colin shoveled food in his mouth so he didn't have to talk.
@ indiewire: Freddy King and Edwina Sharma are your Prince and your Diamond: The latest casting news for Michaela Stirling’s The Match of the Season at the link in our bio.