La La Land was probably the most definitive movie that Hollywood could make to prove how much it loves itself, and we mean that as a compliment — audiences, critics, and creatives all responded in kind when it came out ten years ago. The film won six Oscars; it was a huge box office smash, and everyone loved it. Naturally, it was only a matter of time before somebody decided it was time to bring it back with the original gang.
Lionsgate has officially confirmed that the original creative team behind La La Land has been headhunted for the new stage production of the film, with Mandy Moore and Mary Zophres returning ten years later. Lionsgate is developing the musical alongside Emmy– and Tony Award-winning producer Marc Platt, and Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher (South Pacific).
Mia is an aspiring actress working in a coffee shop on the Warner Bros. studio lot while struggling to land her big break in Hollywood, while Sebastian is a passionate jazz pianist who dreams of opening his own club and preserving the music he loves. When their paths cross in Los Angeles, the pair fall in love while encouraging each other to pursue their ambitions. But success is a double-edged sword, and it can cause as much heartache as it can happiness.
Who’s Involved in the ‘La La Land’ Stage Production?
Moore and Zophres were instrumental in creating the distinctive look and feel of Damien Chazelle‘s original film, which starred Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as two aspiring artists trying to make their dreams come true in Los Angeles. Moore was in charge of the striking choreography, including that incredible opening number on the packed Los Angeles freeway, while Zophres designed all the colorful costumes that were such a big part of the movie’s visual identity.
The stage adaptation will feature music by the movie’s original composer, Justin Hurwitz, with lyrics from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also worked on the film. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar and Matthew Decker are writing the book, while 59 Studio, whose credits include Stranger Things: The First Shadow, will handle production design alongside design collaborator Edward Pierce.
La La Land was a gigantic pop culture smash when it came out a decade ago, and it earned $472 million worldwide against a production budget of around $30 million. The movie received 14 Academy Award nominations and won six, including Best Director for Chazelle, Best Actress for Stone, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song.
via Collider