Sara Bareilles, the singer-songwriter known for her introspective and heartfelt music, is expanding her artistic range with a new musical titled *The Interestings*. The production, currently in development, draws from the novel of the same name and centers on a group of artistic teenagers at a summer camp, exploring their lives as they grow into adulthood.

Bareilles, who graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in communication, said the trajectory of her career has been unexpected yet deeply fulfilling. She credits her college experience, including participation in an a cappella group, with helping her find a creative community that inspired the musical’s themes of friendship, ambition, and transformation over time.

Working alongside author Meg Wolitzer, who is also co-writing the book with playwright Sarah Ruhl, Bareilles began composing the score even before the novel’s completion. The collaborative process is ongoing, with recent rehearsals taking place at a Manhattan studio, where the team continues to refine the production.

The musical delves into questions about the nature of a “good enough” life, addressing the complexities of love and personal dreams as they evolve across decades. Wolitzer described the story as a broad, ambitious undertaking that resonates with both creators as they navigate their own experiences with adulthood and artistry.

Bareilles recently performed a pop-up concert at Lincoln Center, where she debuted songs from the musical to a diverse audience ranging from teenagers to seniors. The intimate gathering featured moments of emotional vulnerability, with listeners visibly moved by the new material. Bareilles expressed a commitment to honesty in her songwriting, emphasizing the importance of presenting nuanced emotions with kindness and care.

As an artist growing older, she said her aim is to create music that offers comfort while embracing complexity. Her dedication to authenticity continues to define her work across both popular music and theater, underscoring her evolution as a multifaceted performer and storyteller.