So, we’ve had Sister Act, Pretty Woman, Back to the Future, Mean Girls, Legally Blonde and so many, many more, but now the movie-to-musical transition adds another title to its register: Clueless.
Considered to be one of the best teen movies ever made, it was an unashamedly female-first film (both in front and behind the camera) that spurned a TV series, a host of books and still stands up to the test of time as a mordacious socially astute coming-of-age comedy.
And, as announced in London’s swanky Ham Yard Hotel last night, it’s soon to be a West End musical. At an intimate event, theatre critics and bloggers were given a sneak peek into this latest film-to-stage undertaking.
The big question, however, is should we roll our eyes in despair, or should we shriek with glee? Well, looking at the creative credentials and last night’s teaser performance, prepare your vocal cords for some joyful outbursts.
With a script penned by original film writer and director, Amy Heckerling, and directed by Chichester Festival and Regent’s Park Open Air Director, Rachel Kavanaugh, you get the sense you’re in very safe hands. Add to this a score by multi-platinum selling rocker KT Tunstall, lyrics by Tony nominee Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act), and choreography from Olivier Award winner Kelly Devine (Come From Away), the transition from comedy to musical has more than a frisson of excitement about it.
Speaking at the launch event, Tunstall explained that the film’s famed soundtrack put huge pressure on her, but she has created a multi-genre score that has the vibe of a gig with all your favourite 90s artists. Kavanaugh added that the production is not a carbon copy of the film; it has been adapted for the stage and for the transition to musical, but the iconic sayings the film is renowned for will be there, along with a wardrobe that matches the film’s fashionista aesthetic.
So, dust off your yellow plaid, practice your put-downs and get ready to be a teen princess. Clueless opens in London in February 2025
