Carly Rae Jepsen, renowned for her chart-topping hit “Call Me Maybe,” has recently shared insights into her exciting new venture as she embarks on writing the music and lyrics for a Broadway adaptation of the beloved 1999 film, *10 Things I Hate About You*. During an appearance on Jake Shane’s *Therapuss* podcast, Jepsen reflected on how a significant career choice made over a decade ago ultimately opened the door for this ambitious project.
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The 40-year-old artist, alongside Grammy-winning songwriter Ethan Gruska, is taking on the creative challenge of transforming the classic teen romantic comedy into a musical, which is set to debut on Broadway. Jepsen acknowledged that her involvement in this new musical might not have occurred had she not made her Broadway debut in 2014 with *Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella*.
In her conversation with Shane, Jepsen expressed gratitude for the opportunity that the stage role presented her, stating, “I don’t think *10 Things* would have happened had I not said yes to *Cinderella* back then.” This revelation speaks volumes about how embracing unexpected opportunities can significantly influence the trajectory of one’s career.
Reflecting on her journey, Jepsen recounted how she jumped at the chance to take on the titular role in *Cinderella*, just two years after gaining international fame. Despite the allure of stardom following her breakout single, the actress admitted that the decision to leap into theatre was instinctual rather than a calculated move: “It sounds like I was smart and had a strategy. It wasn’t like that,” she stated, illuminating her spontaneous approach to seizing the role.
The pop star recounted receiving the offer while on a plane, recalling that it felt like “relief” and “the right choice.” She emphasised her belief that some of the best decisions arise from a lack of overthinking: “Sometimes I feel like the best decisions that I’ve made have been ones where I don’t overthink it too much, and I just try it on and feel it and jump,” she explained.
Now, more than ten years later, her theatrical journey has led her back to Broadway with a project inspired by *10 Things I Hate About You*. This upcoming musical, which is set to commence performances on 17 August 2027, is adapted from the 1999 film starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. The film itself was a modern twist on Shakespeare’s *The Taming of the Shrew*.
Celebrity collaborators are lined up for the production, including Lena Dunham and playwright Jessica Huang, who are crafting the musical’s book, while two-time Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon will take on the roles of director and choreographer. Jepsen could hardly contain her enthusiasm when discussing the project and the talented individuals she is working with, describing it as “the dream of all dream projects.”
As she continued her discussion on *Therapuss*, Jepsen elaborated on her excitement about the collaboration, noting that the team has only grown stronger since the project began. She enthusiastically mentioned her fellow collaborators like Gruska and Wheeldon, referring to him jokingly as a “choreographer/director/ballerina extraordinaire.” She also highlighted Tom Kitt, a two-time Tony and Grammy winner, calling him the “music director of my dreams.”
The musical promises to follow the story of sisters Kat and Bianca Stratford as they navigate the complexities of teenage relationships, societal expectations, and self-discovery. Jepsen remains aware of the iconic status the film holds, acknowledging its enduring appeal and the cult following it has garnered over the years.
Originally released on 31 March 1999, *10 Things I Hate About You* became a defining teen comedy, contributing to the meteoric rise of its leading actors, including Stiles, Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. With Jepsen poised to take on a leading creative role in this new adaptation, fans eagerly await what promises to be a fresh interpretation of a classic tale filled with youthful angst and romance.
Jepsen’s experience in musical theatre has not been limited to her earlier role in *Cinderella*. She showcased her talent again in 2016 when she portrayed Frenchy in the live television production of *Grease: Live*. With her return to Broadway through the prism of this new musical, Jepsen is poised to leave an indelible mark on the stage as she combines her pop sensibilities with her passion for theatre.
At present, there is no official announcement regarding casting or the Broadway theatre for *10 Things I Hate About You*. However, anticipation surrounds this collaboration, marking yet another significant milestone in Jepsen’s illustrious career.