‘Groundhog Day’ Musical Is Coming To Broadway [Video]
A Groundhog Day musical may seem a little out there. The 1993 feature film may not seem to lend itself to musical theater as easily as some other films. However, the writers of Matilda, a musical currently gracing Broadway stages, thought that Groundhog Day would fit right in. The adaptation will be hitting the stage in 2017.
In case you are wondering, yes it is Roald Dahl’s Matilda, which also has a movie based off the story.
Variety gives a brief list of those who will be working on the Groundhog Day musical.
“The ‘Matilda’ team of composer-lyricist Tim Minchin, director Matthew Warchus, choreographer Peter Darling and set and costume designer Rob Howell will collaborate on the show with book writer Danny Rubin, who co-wrote the “Groundhog Day” screenplay with Harold Ramis and is credited with the original story. Whistle Pig Prods. (Andre Ptaszynski), Scott Rudin and Columbia Stage Live will produce.”
Regarded as a comedy classic, Groundhog Day follows a disgruntled weatherman that does not want to cover a small bit news story in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The weatherman, Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray, gets stuck in a time loop, forcing him to relive the same day over and over until her gets it right. The loop happens on February 2, otherwise known as Groundhog Day, hence the name of the movie. According to Pop Crush Murray’s character was originally suppose to be stuck in the loop for 10,000 years.
“Fun fact: Screenwriter Ramis said the original idea was for Phil to be trapped in the time loop for 10,000 years, but has since said in interviews that he spent between 10 and 40 years. What a bargain!”
In an earlier interview, when the musical was first announced, Tim Minchin, the composer and lyricist of Matilda, stated, “Our version of Groundhog Day is going to be both instantly recognizable and utterly different.”
I wonder if Bill Murray will make a cameo in this Broadway musical.
While most are probably apprehensive about the news of a Groundhog musical, others are loving the idea.
I would watch the hell out of a GROUNDHOG DAY Broadway musical. http://t.co/a1povSRP30
— Matt Singer (@mattsinger) April 3, 2015
So would I, Matt, so would I.
The Groundhog Day musical will begin previews starting on January 23, 2017. The musical will open for everyone on March 9.
How about a little sneak peek? Watch below as Tim Minchin performs a song from the upcoming musical.
How do you feel about Goundhog Day as a musical? Do you think it will adapt well to the Broadway stage?
[Photo Courtesy of Variety]
