Lena Dunham, Carly Rae Jepsen Musical Sets 2027 Broadway Debut

The musical adaptation of the 1999 film "10 Things I Hate About You," featuring contributions from Lena Dunham and Carly Rae Jepsen, is scheduled to debut on Broadway in August 2027. Preview performances are set to commence on August 17, 2027, marking exactly one year from the current date. The production aims to bring the beloved teen romantic comedy, originally starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, to the live stage. While specific details regarding the official opening night, casting, and the theater venue have not yet been disclosed, the announcement confirms the project's progression towards a major Broadway run. This musical marks a significant collaboration, with Lena Dunham, known for her work on "Girls," contributing to the creative development, and Carly Rae Jepsen, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, involved in the musical aspects. The original film, released in 1999, was a critical and commercial success, celebrated for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and its modern take on Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." The story follows Kat Stratford, a fiercely independent and intellectual high school student, and her younger sister Bianca, who is forbidden by their father to date until Kat finds a boyfriend. Their father's unusual condition sets in motion a plan by Bianca's suitor to pay a mysterious loner, Patrick Verona, to woo Kat. The musical's development signifies a new chapter for the property, translating its narrative and themes into a theatrical format. The involvement of Dunham and Jepsen suggests a contemporary approach to the material, potentially appealing to both fans of the original film and new audiences. Broadway musicals often undergo extensive development processes, including workshops and out-of-town tryouts, before reaching their New York premiere. The confirmed preview date in August 2027 indicates that the production is likely in advanced stages of planning and preparation. The anticipation for this show is building, as it combines a popular film property with the creative talents of established figures in television and music. Further announcements regarding the creative team, including the director, book writer, and lyricist, are expected as the production moves closer to its debut. The success of previous film-to-musical adaptations on Broadway, such as "Mean Girls" and "Legally Blonde," highlights the potential for "10 Things I Hate About You" to resonate with theatergoers. The musical's arrival on Broadway is anticipated to be a significant event in the 2027 theater season.