Lena Dunham and Carly Rae Jepsen are teaming up to bring the cult classic film “10 Things I Hate About You” to the Broadway stage as a musical adaptation. The project, which has sparked excitement among fans of the original 1999 teen rom-com starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, will see Jepsen collaborating on the score with Ethan Gruska, while Dunham will co-write the book alongside playwright Jessica Huang.
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The announcement of this musical venture has left many eagerly anticipating the production, with Jepsen expressing her enthusiasm in an Instagram post captioned with the hashtag #10ThingsMusical. The show will be helmed by director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, known for his work on productions like “An American in Paris” and “MJ: The Musical,” with two-time Tony winner Tom Kitt onboard as the music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator. Producer Mike Bosner is also part of the talented team bringing this project to life.
“10 Things I Hate About You” follows the story of high school senior Kat Stratford, played by Stiles, who is portrayed as a high-achieving, sharp-tongued loner. The film is a modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” and captures the trials and tribulations of adolescence, love, and finding oneself. The movie was a hit not only for its charming storyline but also for its iconic ’90s soundtrack and memorable performances from a talented cast including Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Gabrielle Union.
Julia Stiles, who played the strong-willed Kat in the original film, recently shared her fond memories of working with Ledger, highlighting his talent and the impact he made on the project. The enduring popularity of “10 Things I Hate About You” has led to speculation about a potential stage adaptation in the past, with director Gil Junger revealing that there were discussions about bringing the story to Broadway. Despite initial interest, the project did not materialise at that time due to various factors.
Given the lasting appeal of the film and its themes of self-discovery and young love, the news of its transformation into a musical has reignited interest among fans. As the production gears up to make its debut on Broadway, audiences can look forward to experiencing the beloved story in a fresh and dynamic format that promises to capture the essence of the original film. Stay tuned for updates on the release date of “10 Things I Hate About You: The Musical” as anticipation continues to build within the theatre community.
With a talented team of creatives and performers onboard, the Broadway adaptation of “10 Things I Hate About You” is shaping up to be a promising addition to the world of musical theatre. As fans eagerly await further details about the production, the collaboration between Dunham, Jepsen, and the rest of the team is poised to breathe new life into this beloved coming-of-age story, resonating with audiences old and new alike.