McCartney writes first musical, stage version of...
-
Hey, has there been any news on Paul's "It's a Wonderful Life"? Broadway is getting ready to start reopening in Sept., but there's no sign of Paul's show on this list of scheduled opening dates.
-
Bruce M. wrote:
Hey, has there been any news on Paul's "It's a Wonderful Life"? Broadway is getting ready to start reopening in Sept., but there's no sign of Paul's show on this list of scheduled opening dates.
I was wondering about it also especially since the West End has some shows that have opened back up with more to come in June. Since this is a "holiday" show you would think they would want to have it ready for opening at the end of the year. If not, it would have to wait until 2022. Shows from the West End usually take awhile before they think of coming to Broadway so at best this might be seen in the US in 2023, just my guess.
-
Yankeefan2 wrote:
Bruce M. wrote:
Hey, has there been any news on Paul's "It's a Wonderful Life"? Broadway is getting ready to start reopening in Sept., but there's no sign of Paul's show on this list of scheduled opening dates.
I was wondering about it also especially since the West End has some shows that have opened back up with more to come in June. Since this is a "holiday" show you would think they would want to have it ready for opening at the end of the year. If not, it would have to wait until 2022. Shows from the West End usually take awhile before they think of coming to Broadway so at best this might be seen in the US in 2023, just my guess.
I'm still betting on 2022.
-
I wonder if this project has been scrapped. There has been absolutely no news about it and even if it was planned for late 2022 you should be hearing something about the show. For example, there are several shows scheduled to open on Broadway in 2022 and they are listed in "Playbill" with a opening date.
-
One of my daughters posts once in awhile on Broadway site and told me there was a thread aksing about the Paul McCartney musical (It's A Wonderful Life). The OP asked if there was any update regarding the musical and my daughter thought I would be the person to ask -lol. I told her I will check this board and do some digging to find out any updates. I have a sinking feeling the project got scrapped due to COVID. (hope I am wrong). If anybody finds out any info, please post it. I think if they ask for questions to Paul again, I will submit one asking about the musical.
-
Yankeefan2 wrote:
One of my daughters posts once in awhile on Broadway site and told me there was a thread aksing about the Paul McCartney musical (It's A Wonderful Life). The OP asked if there was any update regarding the musical and my daughter thought I would be the person to ask -lol. I told her I will check this board and do some digging to find out any updates. I have a sinking feeling the project got scrapped due to COVID. (hope I am wrong). If anybody finds out any info, please post it. I think if they ask for questions to Paul again, I will submit one asking about the musical.
You can submit questions anytime on paulmccartney.com, supposedly! I just took a look and the new format doesn't show a way to do that like before!
-
NJR wrote:
Yankeefan2 wrote:
One of my daughters posts once in awhile on Broadway site and told me there was a thread aksing about the Paul McCartney musical (It's A Wonderful Life). The OP asked if there was any update regarding the musical and my daughter thought I would be the person to ask -lol. I told her I will check this board and do some digging to find out any updates. I have a sinking feeling the project got scrapped due to COVID. (hope I am wrong). If anybody finds out any info, please post it. I think if they ask for questions to Paul again, I will submit one asking about the musical.
You can submit questions anytime on paulmccartney.com, supposedly! I just took a look and the new format doesn't show a way to do that like before!
I am shocked -lol. Anyway, I did some digging on West End theater site and found info below. I would like to see another source or two before I believe it will open this year. Mind boggling that this site don't think his fans want to know about the progress of a West End/Broadway musical Paul is writing.
"Paul McCartney is adding musical theatre to his long list of accomplishments, with an adaptation of classic Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life.
The 1946 film tells the story of George Bailey who, on Christmas Eve, is visited by a guardian angel who helps him realise how different the lives of those around him would be if he’d never been born. The musical adaptation will reportedly see McCartney team up with Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall, with celebrated producer Bill Kenwright also on board.
Dates and a venue are to be confirmed as this show is still in the early stages of development, but it is expected to open in London.
Opens November 2022"
-
Yankeefan2 wrote:
NJR wrote:
Yankeefan2 wrote:
One of my daughters posts once in awhile on Broadway site and told me there was a thread aksing about the Paul McCartney musical (It's A Wonderful Life). The OP asked if there was any update regarding the musical and my daughter thought I would be the person to ask -lol. I told her I will check this board and do some digging to find out any updates. I have a sinking feeling the project got scrapped due to COVID. (hope I am wrong). If anybody finds out any info, please post it. I think if they ask for questions to Paul again, I will submit one asking about the musical.
You can submit questions anytime on paulmccartney.com, supposedly! I just took a look and the new format doesn't show a way to do that like before!
I am shocked -lol. Anyway, I did some digging on West End theater site and found info below. I would like to see another source or two before I believe it will open this year. Mind boggling that this site don't think his fans want to know about the progress of a West End/Broadway musical Paul is writing.
"Paul McCartney is adding musical theatre to his long list of accomplishments, with an adaptation of classic Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life.
The 1946 film tells the story of George Bailey who, on Christmas Eve, is visited by a guardian angel who helps him realise how different the lives of those around him would be if he’d never been born. The musical adaptation will reportedly see McCartney team up with Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall, with celebrated producer Bill Kenwright also on board.
Dates and a venue are to be confirmed as this show is still in the early stages of development, but it is expected to open in London.
Opens November 2022"
This reads like it was written a while ago. If it was opening this November I think we'd be hearing more by now. That's just 3 months away. Big musicals like that take some time to put together.
-
Just did a Google News search and the only recent article mentioning "It's a Wonderful Life" that turns up is simply commenting on the lack of news. I'd bet money it ain't opening this year.
-
I agree Bruce. Not going to happen in 2022 but let's hope that down the road something could happen.
-
Bruce M. wrote:
Just did a Google News search and the only recent article mentioning "It's a Wonderful Life" that turns up is simply commenting on the lack of news. I'd bet money it ain't opening this year.
I checked a West End theater site and there was nothing on the show, other shows that will open later this year were listed. There was a show called "It's A Wonderful Life" scheduled in London late November into early December but it appears to be an Opera. So it appears that you are correct and it will not open this year if ever.
-
B J Conlee wrote:
I agree Bruce. Not going to happen in 2022 but let's hope that down the road something could happen.
Personally BJ, I think the show has been canceled and will never hit the stage. Read some articles that Paul (2020) already had 20 songs written and producers were very happy with the opening show number he had written. I understand that COVID shut it down but there is no reason why the shows producers could have regrouped in mid-late 2021 and have show ready by Christmas season 2022. I think it is telling that you hear nothing about this show from Paul and the theater community which is not a good sign. Maybe the songs he wrote for the show can someday appear on your "Letfovers & Rareities" CD's -lol. Just teasing because I am bummed about this show not making it to the West End and maybe Broadway -oh well. Was hoping since Paul could not win a Grammy, mabe he could win a Tony or Olivier award -lol.
-
Yankeefan2 wrote:
B J Conlee wrote:
I agree Bruce. Not going to happen in 2022 but let's hope that down the road something could happen.
Personally BJ, I think the show has been canceled and will never hit the stage. Read some articles that Paul (2020) already had 20 songs written and producers were very happy with the opening show number he had written. I understand that COVID shut it down but there is no reason why the shows producers could have regrouped in mid-late 2021 and have show ready by Christmas season 2022. I think it is telling that you hear nothing about this show from Paul and the theater community which is not a good sign. Maybe the songs he wrote for the show can someday appear on your "Letfovers & Rareities" CD's -lol. Just teasing because I am bummed about this show not making it to the West End and maybe Broadway -oh well. Was hoping since Paul could not win a Grammy, mabe he could win a Tony or Olivier award -lol.
This Covid pandemic and now Monkeypox is really "F@#king it up for everyone" as a certain songwriter we know and love wrote!
Hugh Jackman's musical on Broadway now, The Music Man, was first supposed to start in 2019, but finally began previews in Dec. 2021 and premiered in Feb. 2022. So who knows, maybe eventually we'll see It's A Wonderful Life. -
"This Covid pandemic and now Monkeypox is really "F@#king it up for everyone" as a certain songwriter we know and love wrote! Hugh Jackman's musical on Broadway now, The Music Man, was first supposed to start in 2019, but finally began previews in Dec. 2021 and premiered in Feb. 2022. So who knows, maybe eventually we'll see It's A Wonderful Life. "
I understand the delay due to COVID in 2020 and as I said in post above I don't see why they could not get back together in mid to late 2021 to start working on it again. Monkeypox is fairly recent so that really should have nothing to do with going forward with the show. The fact that there is no news at all for a couple of year makes me think it has been shelved. You are right, who knows -lol
-
A lot of things have to come together for a big Broadway/West End show, all of which costs a pile of money. It could well be that when things had to be delayed due to COVID a major backer pulled out, for example. They could have lost a lead performer and not found a suitable replacement (after all, someone's gonna be compared with Jimmy Stewart -- they'd better be good). A thousand things can go wrong, not all of which are easily fixable. If it doesn't resurface we may never know. Or maybe they're trying to put the pieces back together and don't want to talk till everything is nailed down. For now it remains a mystery.
-
Bruce M. wrote:
A lot of things have to come together for a big Broadway/West End show, all of which costs a pile of money. It could well be that when things had to be delayed due to COVID a major backer pulled out, for example. They could have lost a lead performer and not found a suitable replacement (after all, someone's gonna be compared with Jimmy Stewart -- they'd better be good). A thousand things can go wrong, not all of which are easily fixable. If it doesn't resurface we may never know. Or maybe they're trying to put the pieces back together and don't want to talk till everything is nailed down. For now it remains a mystery.
First, Paul could be a big backer of the show if it need money -lol. I can't imagine it is hard to find suitable replacement on the "West End" if needed or heck even Broadway actor. This show would be limited run due to holiday theme I assume and you could also get Broadway actors to come over. It is well over two years since we really heard much about the show and I can't imagine it takes that long to get things back together. Seems to me if they can't get it together why not release statement that the show has been shelved/canceled. Hope someday music is released in some form if show never makes it to the stage.
-
Yankeefan2 wrote:
Bruce M. wrote:
A lot of things have to come together for a big Broadway/West End show, all of which costs a pile of money. It could well be that when things had to be delayed due to COVID a major backer pulled out, for example. They could have lost a lead performer and not found a suitable replacement (after all, someone's gonna be compared with Jimmy Stewart -- they'd better be good). A thousand things can go wrong, not all of which are easily fixable. If it doesn't resurface we may never know. Or maybe they're trying to put the pieces back together and don't want to talk till everything is nailed down. For now it remains a mystery.
First, Paul could be a big backer of the show if it need money -lol. I can't imagine it is hard to find suitable replacement on the "West End" if needed or heck even Broadway actor. This show would be limited run due to holiday theme I assume and you could also get Broadway actors to come over. It is well over two years since we really heard much about the show and I can't imagine it takes that long to get things back together. Seems to me if they can't get it together why not release statement that the show has been shelved/canceled. Hope someday music is released in some form if show never makes it to the stage.
It took almost 3 years to get Hugh Jackman's "The Music Man" up & running on Broadway because of the pandemic. Some people bought tickets in 2019 and finally were able to use them in 2022!
Next time Paul is interviewed, I wish they would ask him about "It's A Wonderful Life!"
-
NJR wrote:
Yankeefan2 wrote:
Bruce M. wrote:
A lot of things have to come together for a big Broadway/West End show, all of which costs a pile of money. It could well be that when things had to be delayed due to COVID a major backer pulled out, for example. They could have lost a lead performer and not found a suitable replacement (after all, someone's gonna be compared with Jimmy Stewart -- they'd better be good). A thousand things can go wrong, not all of which are easily fixable. If it doesn't resurface we may never know. Or maybe they're trying to put the pieces back together and don't want to talk till everything is nailed down. For now it remains a mystery.
First, Paul could be a big backer of the show if it need money -lol. I can't imagine it is hard to find suitable replacement on the "West End" if needed or heck even Broadway actor. This show would be limited run due to holiday theme I assume and you could also get Broadway actors to come over. It is well over two years since we really heard much about the show and I can't imagine it takes that long to get things back together. Seems to me if they can't get it together why not release statement that the show has been shelved/canceled. Hope someday music is released in some form if show never makes it to the stage.
It took almost 3 years to get Hugh Jackman's "The Music Man" up & running on Broadway because of the pandemic. Some people bought tickets in 2019 and finally were able to use them in 2022!
Next time Paul is interviewed, I wish they would ask him about "It's A Wonderful Life!"
Yes , "The Music Man" took a long time to finally hit the stage but there were news stories about the progress of the show and announcement when it was scheduled to begin it's run on Broadway before it opened. "It's A Wonderful Life" has just gone completely "dark" and that is surprising. Good luck on gettting somebody to ask Paul about the show in an interview (lol), they need to ask some Beatle question that has been asked thousands of times already. Even if I submitted the question to him, doubt they would pick that question - ha ha.
-
Yankeefan2 wrote:
NJR wrote:
Yankeefan2 wrote:
Bruce M. wrote:
A lot of things have to come together for a big Broadway/West End show, all of which costs a pile of money. It could well be that when things had to be delayed due to COVID a major backer pulled out, for example. They could have lost a lead performer and not found a suitable replacement (after all, someone's gonna be compared with Jimmy Stewart -- they'd better be good). A thousand things can go wrong, not all of which are easily fixable. If it doesn't resurface we may never know. Or maybe they're trying to put the pieces back together and don't want to talk till everything is nailed down. For now it remains a mystery.
First, Paul could be a big backer of the show if it need money -lol. I can't imagine it is hard to find suitable replacement on the "West End" if needed or heck even Broadway actor. This show would be limited run due to holiday theme I assume and you could also get Broadway actors to come over. It is well over two years since we really heard much about the show and I can't imagine it takes that long to get things back together. Seems to me if they can't get it together why not release statement that the show has been shelved/canceled. Hope someday music is released in some form if show never makes it to the stage.
It took almost 3 years to get Hugh Jackman's "The Music Man" up & running on Broadway because of the pandemic. Some people bought tickets in 2019 and finally were able to use them in 2022!
Next time Paul is interviewed, I wish they would ask him about "It's A Wonderful Life!"
Yes , "The Music Man" took a long time to finally hit the stage but there were news stories about the progress of the show and announcement when it was scheduled to begin it's run on Broadway before it opened. "It's A Wonderful Life" has just gone completely "dark" and that is surprising. Good luck on gettting somebody to ask Paul about the show in an interview (lol), they need to ask some Beatle question that has been asked thousands of times already. Even if I submitted the question to him, doubt they would pick that question - ha ha.
Is there still a way to submit questions to him? The last time I looked, I couldn't find it on the new website!
-
I did a search and found something that I and others overlooked on this web site from March 2021. It is 1 1/2 years old but at that time it looks like it was still a project in the works. See below.
"PMC.com: Have you considered writing songs for other artists again, in the same way you did in the sixties for artists like Mary Hopkin, Billy J. Kramer, and Peter and Gordon?
Paul: The truth is that I have been doing that with two big projects that I have on: with the animation feature film High in the Clouds which is in production, and with the musical It’s A Wonderful Life_. I’ve demoed songs for both those projects, but they won’t be sung by me. Maybe they’ll find a way to work in my version in the end credits, or something, but generally it’ll be the characters in the plays and films performing those songs. So, whoever plays George Bailey in_ It’s A Wonderful Life will sing the songs I’ve written for him.
So, that’s kind of my modern equivalent of writing for Billy J. Kramer or for Peter and Gordon… but it’s morphed into more than that. I’m writing a lot of songs for each project which are all going to be sung by lots of different people. I can’t wait to hear that!"