McG to Helm 'Spring Awakening' Movie Musical

As BroadwayWorld reported back in April, Terminator Salvation director McG is in talks to bring the "Spring Awakening" to the big screen, developing it with original book and lyrics writer Steven Sater.

This morning, playlistnation.com is saying that McG is in fact attached to the product as both director and a producer, and is currently in Cannes endeavoring to raise funds for and generate interest in the project. 

The director got his start in the music business, first as a songwriter (he produced Sugar Ray's first album and co-wrote songs on the second) then as a video director. This would be his first handling of a movie musical.

Set against the backdrop of a repressive and provincial late 19th century Germany,Spring Awakening tells the story of adolescent self-discovery and budding sexuality as seen through the eyes of three teenagers - Melchior, Moritz and Wendla. In a haunting and provocative story, Spring Awakening celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood. To read an exclusive BWW article with Steve Sater and Duncan Sheik regarding the Spring Awakening film go here.

Based on the 1891 Frank Wedekind play, Spring Awakening features an rock-inspired score by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater. The Broadway production was directed by Michael Mayer and choreographed by the award-winning Bill T. Jones.

On transferring from the off-Broadway Atlantic Theater, the original US production of Spring Awakening became an overnight sensation. It grossed over $50 million during its two year run at the EuGene O'Neill Theater and a US tour is booked through to 2010. By the end of 2009, productions will have opened in Japanese in Tokyo, Korean in Seoul and German in Vienna. 18 foreign productions are in preparation around the world.

For more information, visit www.springawakening.com. 

 

 

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