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.
The iconic 90s teen comedy Clueless is getting a stage adaptation, and it's coming to London's West End in February 2025. The musical, which is based on the 1995 film starring Alicia Silverstone, will open at the Trafalgar Theatre and is set to run until June 2025.
The musical is written by the original film's writer and director, Amy Heckerling, and features a new score by Scottish musician KT Tunstall. The show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, who said the original film was the best of the era’s teen romantic comedies and “full of heart and warmth where some of the others aren’t”.
The musical is set to feature a mix of genres, including pop, rock, and hip-hop, inspired by the film's original soundtrack. Tunstall has said that she wants the audience to feel like they're at a concert with all of their favorite 90s artists playing in one show.
The show is currently in rehearsals, and casting has not yet been announced. However, it has been confirmed that the costumes are being designed by a team of experts, and that Cher's beloved yellow plaid will be present and correct among them.
The musical is sure to be a hit with fans of the original film, and with its catchy soundtrack and hilarious script, it's sure to appeal to a wider audience as well. Tickets for Clueless: The Musical are now on sale, so don't miss out!
The musical has already had a successful run off-Broadway, and is now being brought to the West End for a whole new audience to enjoy. It's set to be a huge success, and will be a must-see for anyone who loves the original film, as well as anyone who enjoys a good musical comedy.
