Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures has announced that it is developing a musical adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians, the 2018 hit romantic comedy that's based on the Kevin Kwan book of the same name. Jon M. Chu, who directed the film, will make his stage debut directing the musical. A world premiere date for the musical has not been announced, though the producers promise that a pre-Broadway engagement is in the works.
Crazy Rich Asians the musical will feature a score by Tony-nominated composer Helen Park (KPOP), a book by Leah Nanako Winkler (Schmigadoon!), and lyrics by Tony-nominated songwriter Amanda Green (Hands On A Hardbody) and Singaporean songwriter Tat Tong. Director Chu is also directing the two-part Wicked film adaptation.
The story follows Rachel Chu, who travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend, Nick Young’s, family for the first time. Rachel then discovers that Nick's family is extremely wealthy and a clashing of class ensues.
The musical is being produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, under Mark Kaufman. The group is also the producers behind Beetlejuice, The Notebook, and The Outsiders.
Casting has not been announced, though it should be noted that Crazy Rich Asians film star Constance Wu recently sang Off-Broadway in Little Shop of Horrors. When Crazy Rich Asians was released in 2018, it was the first modern Hollywood film featuring an all-Asian cast in 25 years. It then broke box office records, becoming the most successful studio rom-com in nine years—and showing that Asian-led films could be successful. A sequel to the film was soon announced, but has been in development limbo since.
