Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Carly Rae Jepsen & Lena Dunham Confirmed for Broadway Musical

LEFT PHOTO: Festival d'ete de Quebec, Day 3, Quebec City, Canada - 06 Jul 2024 RIGHT PHOTO: 'Another End' Film Premiere, 74th Berlin International Film Festival, Germany - 17 Feb 2024
LEFT PHOTO: By Michael Hurcomb/Shutterstock RIGHT PHOTO: By Tom Nicholson/Shutterstock

In a grand fusion of pop culture and Broadway, a musical adaptation of the beloved 1999 teen rom-com “10 Things I Hate About You” is making its way to the Broadway stage. This adaptation is drawing significant attention not only because of its original movie's iconic status but also due to its powerhouse creative team. Pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen joins forces with Ethan Gruska to co-write the score, while the book is a collaborative effort between actress-director Lena Dunham and award-winning playwright Jessica Huang. Shedding light on the continued allure of Shakespeare’s works, this musical follows in the footsteps of adaptations that have transformed classic plays into modern cultural staples.

The original film, a clever reinterpretation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, was set against a late-90s high school backdrop, bringing together a cast that included future stars like Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film was noteworthy not only for its engaging plot and performances but also for its soundtrack, featuring anthems from bands like Letters to Cleo and Semisonic, which has remained nostalgic for many. Capturing the spirit of young rebellion and romance, “10 Things I Hate About You” established itself as a timeless classic that resonates with viewers decades after its release.

Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, known for his work on Broadway hits such as An American in Paris and MJ: The Musical, is at the helm of this new production. With Tom Kitt handling music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations, and producer Mike Bosner steering the production through Buena Vista Theatrical, this musical promises to deliver the same energy and charm that the film brought to its audiences. Despite the excitement surrounding the project, details regarding the show's opening night and the theater of choice leave fans eagerly anticipating further announcements.

Carly Rae Jepsen’s transition from pop music icon to a creative force in Broadway musicals marks an exciting evolution in her career. Known for her heartfelt and relatable music, Jepsen brings a fresh perspective to musical theater, promising a score that captures the emotional depth and wit of the original film. Her Broadway debut in 2014's Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella set the stage for her behind-the-scenes ventures, as seen in this upcoming production.

Lena Dunham, known for her work on HBO's “Girls” and the new Netflix series “Too Much,” brings her narrative expertise to the project. Her involvement reflects a trend of successful screenwriters moving into theater, adding depth and dynamism to traditional storytelling formats. Working alongside Jessica Huang, Dunham's influence will likely help capture the quintessential themes of young love and familial relationships that the original movie extravagantly presented.

As Broadway audiences prepare for this new iteration of a genre-defining film, the collaboration between the creative minds behind its adaptation promises a vibrant celebration of both classic literature and late-90s nostalgia. Echoing the spirit of its cinematic predecessor, the stage musical will likely harness the humor, drama, and heart that made “10 Things I Hate About You” a film beloved by audiences worldwide. While its voyage from screen to stage is still in its early phases, this adaptation is poised to join the ranks of Broadway musicals that honor their source material while offering something spectacularly new. This blend of talent and cultural reverence ensures that when “10 Things I Hate About You” opens on Broadway, it will captivate and engage both longtime fans and new audiences.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Maroon 5 - Adam Levine Maroon 5 headlines the Grand Opening of New Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, Miami, USA - 05 Oct 2019

Maroon 5 New Album Announced & Arena Tour

Maroon 5 is set to make a significant return this summer with the announcement of their much-anticipated eighth studio album,…

Axl Rose and Angus Young ACDC in concert, Vienna, Austria - 19 May 2016

AC/DC Sets 2025 Homecoming Shows

AC/DC, the iconic powerhouse of rock music, is making waves again with their much-anticipated homecoming tour, titled “PWR UP.” Set…

Eric Clapton British Summer Time Hyde Park Festival Day 3 in London, UK - 08 Jul 2018

Eric Clapton Adds Ohio Show to Tour Schedule

Eric Clapton, the legendary guitarist, is set to make a notable return to the United States with a limited series…

Dolly Parton Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Show, Microsoft Theatrer, Los Angeles, California, USA - 05 Nov 2022 Dolly Parton wearing flesh colored gloves

Dolly Parton Sets Mini Vegas Residency

Dolly Parton’s recent announcement about her upcoming Las Vegas residency has created significant buzz in the entertainment world. Titled “Dolly:…

Sting Radio 2 in the Park, Day 1, Preston, UK - 07 Sep 2024

Sting Addresses Support Act’s Cardiac Arrest Incident

During the On The Waterfront festival at Pier Head in Liverpool, a serious incident unfolded involving The Christians’ drummer, Lionel…

Evanescence - Amy Lee Evanescence in concert at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, UK - 17 Nov 2022

Next Evanescence Studio Album to Arrive Early 2026

Evanescence, a band that gained worldwide recognition in the early 2000s with their debut album “Fallen,” is gearing up for…

Josh Homme performs on stage at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone with his band Queens Of The Stone Age in Rome. The Queens Of The Stone Age live in Rome, Italy - 4 Jul 2024

Queens of The Stone Age Announces Fall 2025 Tour

Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) have announced a groundbreaking venture with their North American “The Catacombs Tour” scheduled for…

The Lemonheads - Evan Dando The Lemonheads in concert, Brooklyn Bowl, New York, USA - 05 May 2019

The Lemonheads Announce 2025 Tour & New Album

The Lemonheads have surged back into the spotlight with the announcement of their first original studio album in 19 years,…

Mark Osegueda and Ted Aguilar of Death Angel perform during The Bay Strikes Back Tour at Revolution Live, Fort Lauderdale Death Angel at Revolution Live, The Bay Strikes Back Tour, Fort Lauderdale, Florida - 19 Sep 2022

Death Angel to Play ‘Act III’ Album in Its Entirety on 2025 Fall Tour

In 2025, Death Angel will celebrate the 35th anniversary of their highly regarded 1990 album, “Act III,” with a special…