Carly Rae Jepsen & Lena Dunham Confirmed for Broadway Musical

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.