Groundhog Day (musical)
| Groundhog Day | |
|---|---|
| Music | Tim Minchin |
| Lyrics | Tim Minchin |
| Book | Danny Rubin |
| Basis | 1993 film Groundhog Day |
| Premiere | 16 August 2016: The Old Vic |
Groundhog Day is an upcoming musical comedy with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and a book by Danny Rubin. Based on the 1993 film of the same name, the musical is scheduled to receive its world premiere at The Old Vic in London in 2016, before transferring to Broadway in 2017. The role of Phil will be played by Andy Karl.
Background
The musical is based on the 1993 film Groundhog Day.[1] The film itself was produced on a budget of $14.6 million, earning over $70 million in domestic box office receipts.[2] In 2006 it was added to the United States National Film Registry as being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."[3] It was voted at number 8 in the top ten greatest films in the fantasy genre by The American Film Institute.[4] The plot centred on Phil Connors, an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman[5] who, during an assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania,[6] finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again.[7]
In August 2003, Stephen Sondheim, when asked what his next project might be, said that he was interested in the idea of a musical adaption of Groundhog Day.[8] However, in a 2008 live chat, he said that "to make a musical of Groundhog Day would be to gild the lily. It cannot be improved."[9] In 2009, during an interview with MTV News, Harold Ramis revealed that Danny Rubin was working on the book for a musical version of the film.[10] In January 2014, it was revealed that lyricist Tim Minchin and director Matthew Warchus had teamed up with Rubin.[11] A workshop was held in London on 12 July, and Minchin performed a song from the show "Seeing You" during a concert in Hyde Park.[12]
On 2 April 2015, the musical was officially confirmed and it was announced that the show would receive its Broadway premiere in March 2017.[13] It was later announced the musical would make its world premiere during 2016[14] at The Old Vic theatre in London,[15] as part of director Matthew Warchus' debut season as artistic director of the theatre.[16]
The musical has a book by Danny Rubin, based on his and Harold Ramis's original screenplay,[17] and is directed by Matthew Warchus,[18] with choreography by Peter Darling[19] and design by Rob Howell.[20] The show features an original score and lyrics by Australian comedian and lyricist Tim Minchin.[21] The production reunites most of the creative team behind the 2010 musical Matilda.[22]
Speaking about the musical, director Warchus said that it's "a show full of intellect, integrity and wit, insight, humor—and of course romance."[23] Minchin, who wrote the music and lyrics for the adaption, added, "Our version of Groundhog Day is going to be both instantly recognisable, and utterly different" and that "The central conceit is perfectly suited to the theatre... it has the potential to be complex, dark, visually fascinating, and thematically rich, whilst still being a joyous romantic comedy with cool tunes and lots of gags."[24]
Productions
The show's premiere production is scheduled to begin previews at the The Old Vic in London, on 11 July 2016, with its official opening night coming on 16 August, booking for a limited period until 17 September 2016.[25] Tickets went on general sale on 12 April 2016, with priority booking from 10 March.[26] In January 2016, it was announced that Andy Karl would play the lead role of Phil.[27] Other notable casting for the show included Carlyss Peer as Rita and Eugene McCoy as Larry.[28]
The musical is scheduled to transfer to Broadway, opening on 9 March 2017, following previews from 23 January 2017.[29]
Characters and original cast
The characters and original cast:
| Character | Old Vic (2016) |
|---|---|
| Phil Connors | Andy Karl |
| Rita | Carlyss Peer |
| Larry | Eugene McCoy |
References
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