Producer’s Statement

Would you agree that throughout history women were not allowed to operate at the same level as men? Were generally prohibited from getting an education commensurate with their male counterparts? Were confined to a narrow group of occupations due to their gender? Still struggle to achieve parity with men?

I am committed to establishing a brighter future for our daughters and their daughters. By supporting Bernhardt On Broadway, an independent film that inspires young women, you can not only bring the story of success to women of all ages but also support a major issue of our time, the empowerment of young women

In a time when women were restricted by a labor market limited to work as a housewife,  domestic, governess or prostitute, Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) broke the mold, becoming the most famous woman in the world and demonstrating gender did not have to hold young women back.

Bernhardt’s career and rise to fame is a testament to her drive and determination. As a headstrong upstart she made a name for herself at one of France’s major state theatres. During the Franco-Prussian War, she turned the theatre into a military hospital where she worked tirelessly nursing wounded soldiers. Later she formed her own theatre company and toured the world to sold out crowds everywhere, not only filling her coffers but becoming France’s greatest ambassador. She had an uncanny sense for marketing and business.

Bernhardt starred in the world’s first full length film at a time when other actors were threatened by the new medium. That successful film galvanized the Motion Picture industry and provided the seed money for what would become Paramount Pictures. Bernhardt introduced and excelled in the practice of paid endorsements. She often donated her time to charitable causes and continued to work tirelessly until the day before she died at 79 -- even after having a leg amputated eight years earlier. Sarah Bernhardt is a role model for women for all time.

As a child, my mother would tell me I was a little Sarah Bernhardt when I was overly dramatic. I didn’t know who Sarah Bernhardt was, but I knew she must have been dramatic too. As an adult I read over one hundred books about her in French and English, exploring the many facets of her life. Sarah Bernhardt inspires me and I am confident she can inspire others.

Bernhardt On Broadway is a musical retelling of the story of Sarah Bernhardt, the great French actress. It’s fun and fascinating while at the same time serious and significant. Reference the final lines her song, No One Else:

There are times I’ll miss a few notes. There are those that won’t be true notes, But there’s no one else to sing my song but me.

By supporting Bernhardt On Broadway, an independent film that inspires young women, you can not only bring the story of success to women of all ages but also support a major issue of our time, the empowerment of young women.

Bernhardt On Broadway reminds young women they can. Strong role models like Sarah Bernhardt who became the world’s first superstar show positive self-esteem coupled with education and intelligence enable young women to spread their wings and soar.

You can help bring Bernhardt On Broadway to fruition by making a contribution to fund production.