10 Things I Hate About You Musical Arrives on Broadway in 2027

A musical adaptation of the beloved 1999 film "10 Things I Hate About You" is slated for a Broadway premiere in 2027. This stage production will draw inspiration from the original Touchstone Pictures film, which was written by Karen McCullah and Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith. The creative team behind the musical includes Lena Dunham, known for her work on "Girls," who is co-writing the book alongside playwright Jessica Huang. The musical score and lyrics will be crafted by the acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen, who has previously penned hits like "Call Me Maybe," and Grammy-winning producer Ethan Gruska. Christopher Wheeldon, a Tony Award-winning choreographer and director recognized for his work on "An American in Paris," is attached to direct the production. The film "10 Things I Hate About You" itself was a modern Shakespearean adaptation, loosely based on "The Taming of the Shrew," and starred Julia Stiles as the fiercely independent Kat Stratford and Heath Ledger as the charming Patrick Verona. The story centered on Kat's reluctant entry into high school romance, orchestrated by her father's rule that her younger sister Bianca could not date until Kat did. This rule set in motion a series of events involving a bet and a plan to woo Kat. The film has maintained a significant cultural presence since its release, celebrated for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and enduring soundtrack. The transition to a musical format suggests an opportunity to explore these themes and character dynamics through song and dance, potentially reinterpreting the iconic moments and emotional arcs of the original story for a new theatrical experience. The involvement of Lena Dunham, who has a distinct voice in contemporary storytelling, and Carly Rae Jepsen, known for her catchy and emotionally resonant pop music, signals a potentially fresh and engaging take on the material. The 2027 target date for the Broadway debut indicates a significant development period for the production, allowing ample time for writing, composing, casting, and staging. Further details regarding the full cast, specific plot adaptations, and the theatre where the musical will be housed are expected to be announced closer to the premiere. The Broadway landscape frequently sees adaptations of popular films and stories, and "10 Things I Hate About You" possesses a strong nostalgic appeal and a narrative structure that lends itself well to musical theatre. The success of previous film-to-stage adaptations, such as "Mean Girls" and "Legally Blonde," demonstrates the potential for such projects to resonate with audiences. The creative team's pedigree, particularly Wheeldon's directorial experience and Jepsen's proven songwriting talent, suggests a high level of artistic ambition for this project. The collaboration between Dunham and Huang on the book also points towards a nuanced and potentially contemporary interpretation of the source material, aiming to capture the spirit of the original while offering a fresh perspective for a new generation of theatergoers. The announcement marks a significant development in the world of musical theatre, bringing a widely recognized and beloved story to the iconic Broadway stage.