Movies Turned Musicals: Heathers, Sleepless in Seattle and More

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Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Action, Musicals, Romance, Comedy

The lights may be dimming on many Broadway shows, but that won’t keep the productions from coming:

Heathers: The dark comedy about Heather Chandler, Heather Duke, Heather McNamara and Veronica will be resurrected for the stage. The 1988 film, which starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, is being developed by director Andy Fickman (Race to Witch Mountain) and scored by Tony nominee Larry O’Keefe (Legally Blonde).

It’s still unclear at this time which actors will star in the final presentation, but Christian Campbell has been in readings for the role of J.D. while Veronica Mars’ Kristen Bell has tried out Veronica (natch). Look for Heathers to start out as a regional production sometime in 2010.

Read More | E! Online

Ghost: An adaptation of this 1990 hit will be heading toward London’s West End. Bruce Joel Rubin, the writer for the original movie starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze, will adapt his own screenplay for the project. Meanwhile, musician Dave Stewart (The Eurythmics) and songwriter-producer Glen Ballard will collaborate on the music.

Ghost should have audiences weeping again sometime next year.

Sleepless in Seattle: Theater lovers should soon be feeling the love on this side of the pond as well. Jeff Arch, the writer behind Tom Hank and Meg Ryan’s 1993 film, is working with composer-lyricist Leslie Bricusse for an update of this romantic comedy.

Sleepless in Seattle—The Musical, which will be directed by Joel Zwick (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), is aiming for an early 2010 launch. So far 18 songs have already been completed for the half-finished script.

Spider-Man: Although we’ll have to wait until 2011 for the next Spider-Man film, we can catch the web-slinger on stage next year.

On January 16, previews for Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark will begin at the Hilton Theater. The $40 million production - the biggest Broadway tally ever - can boast a few big names along with its big budget. The Lion King‘s Julie Taymor will direct the extravaganza while U2’s Bono and The Edge are listed as the musical’s composers.