In a theatrical display of bicoastal proportions, La La Land is coming to the Great White Way. The 2016 film that starred Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is being adapted as a Broadway musical, with a cast and launch date still undetermined. The film follows the careers of two young performers—one an actress and the other a jazz pianist—who fall in love as they pursue their dreams in Hollywood.
What is known is that the stage adaptation will be directed by Bartlett Sher based on a script by dramatists Ayad Akhtar and Matthew Decker. Sher has had a long and critically acclaimed career as a director on Broadway and other major theatrical venues. The show’s music—like that of the film’s—will come from Justin Hurwitz, with lyrics by Beni Pasek and Justin Paul. Some of their songs for the film include “City of Stars,” “Audition (Fools Who Dream)” and “Another Day of Sun.”
In announcing the new Broadway venture, the film’s producer Marc Platt said, “I’m thrilled to reunite with Lionsgate and the incredible team behind La La Land to adapt the movie for the Broadway stage, the next exciting chapter in its evolution. We’ve assembled a world-class team to create a musical that will delight La La Land’s millions of current fans and introduce the property to a whole new audience.”
Equally ecstatic, Lionsgate’s executive VP Jenefer Brown declared: “With La La Land in Concert marking its sixth year of touring worldwide and the original film a timeless and globally revered cultural touchstone, we’re excited to provide fans yet another way to experience the original movie.
The 2016 film captured several Oscars, including a best director trophy for Damien Chazelle and a best actress one for Emma Stone. The movie was at the center of a embarrassing blooper when it was incorrectly announced that it had won the best picture award instead of Moonlight, the actual winner. Nonetheless, La La Land grossed more than $470 million globally and about $150 million in North America.
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