Oscar-Winning Animated Movie HAPPY FEET In Development as a Broadway Musical
The 2006 animated musical Happy Feet about a tap-dancing penguin named Mumble is headed to Broadway, with two-time Tony winner Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending, Parade) set to direct. The project was announced this week by Tony-winning producer Dori Berinstein (Legally Blonde, The Prom, Thoroughly Modern Millie).
In addition to Arden, the creative team includes book writer Douglas Lyons (Chicken & Biscuits, Fraggle Rock). The choreography team is comprised of tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel (Funny Girl), and Lauren Yalango-Grant & Christopher “Cree” Grant (The Lost Boys, Parade).
The musical, according to the announcement, will feature songs from the motion picture as well as “a lineup of chart-topping favorites.”
The synopsis reads: “Born into a world that measures worth by song, Mumble’s extraordinary dancing sets him apart – and sends him on a life-changing adventure that challenges tradition, celebrates individuality, and reveals the power of daring to be different.
“Originally released in 2006 by Warner Bros., Happy Feet captured hearts worldwide with its dance-driven, uplifting story, and iconic soundtrack.”
The design team for the musical includes Tony Award-winning set designer Dane Laffrey (Maybe Happy Ending, Once on This Island), Tony Award-winning costume designer Susan Hilferty (Wicked, Spring Awakening), Tony Award-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz (Sweeney Todd, Once), puppet designer Basil Twist (Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory), Orchestrator/ Co-Arranger Kenny Seymour (Ain’t Too Proud, Soul Train), and Music Supervisor/Co-Arranger Jackson Teeley (Alien/Nation).
via: Deadline