Lenten campaign 2026
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The musical event Bernadette de Lourdes, which originated in Lourdes in 2019, won over more than 250,000 spectators in France and toured Italy in January 2025. Now, it’s heading across the Atlantic! Bernadette: the Musical is scheduled to launch in the United States in February 2026.
Young performer Eyma Scharen will be part of this American adventure, reprising her role as Bernadette Soubirous. During her visit to Lourdes for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the young woman shared with Aleteia a behind-the-scenes look at the new adventure that awaits her.
From France to North America
The musical is coming to the United States in February 2026. This is a major new step in your career. How are you feeling about it?
Eyma Scharen: When my producer told me two years ago that I’d be going to the United States, I didn't believe him. At the time, we were on tour in France and at the Palais des Sports in Paris. I already thought that was extraordinary because the show was originally supposed to stay in Lourdes.
I was also honored and happy that the American producers, who came to see the show in French, chose me for the English-language show. Rehearsals began on November 3. I'm traveling from France to the United States and Canada, to Montreal, for rehearsals. There's a lot of information to take in, but it's nothing but joy. I don't think I've fully realized what's happening to me yet, but I'm sure I'll understand on opening night.
You'll have to sing the show in English. Does that change the way you experience the emotions of the role?
Scharen: Yes, of course. It's a new challenge for me. I've been taking English lessons with a private teacher twice a week for a year. My reference points are no longer the same. I started performing with Gregory Deck (Commissioner Jacomet) and David Ban (François Soubirous). I was used to performing with them; they were my pillars. Now I have to find my bearings again. Everything is new, and the feelings aren’t the same, but it's very interesting.
What would you like the American audience to take away from this show?
Scharen: Its simplicity, its emotion, and of course Bernadette's message: that you should always follow your heart, remain true to yourself, and fight for your ideas and goals. I really like her character.
Transformed by the role
You were cast in a comedy at the age of 17. Today, you’re 23 and the adventure continues. Do you feel transformed humanly, artistically, or spiritually?
I think I’ve been changed in many ways. I’m no longer the Eyma I was at the beginning. I’ve become more open to others, even though I was already very sociable. My sensitivity has also completely evolved because I met a lot of people in Lourdes, especially sick people. Lourdes is a city of hope and love, and that's also what I want to convey to American audiences.
If you had to sum up in a few sentences what Bernadette has brought to your life, what would it be?
Scharen: This adventure has changed in my life and the way I see others. My family has also been transformed. At first, my father took a break from work so he could follow me with the family. He managed the show's ticket office. My mother also worked for the production, and my brother and sister took correspondence courses. Every evening, I went on stage knowing that my family was in the audience and surrounding me.
My grandmother passed away two months ago. At the time, she was ill, and I think she held on for a few more years thanks to Lourdes and seeing me perform. As I prepare for my show in the United States, I feel her presence and know that she’s watching over me.
