[title]
Perhaps one of the most defining romantic comedies of the late 1990s, 10 Things I Hate About You is officially getting the Broadway treatment, as first confirmed by Billboard.
The beloved 1999 film starring Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger is a modern riff on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, the 1594 comedy centering on the fiery Katherina and her bold suitor Petruchio, who attempts to “tame” her strong will (with wit, disguise and deception, we should add), all while her younger sister Bianca attracts a crowd of eager suitors.
In a move that both honors the movie's enduring appeal and signals its fresh theatrical potential, the adaptation boasts a particularly intriguing creative team that feels just right: Lena Dunham and Carly Rae Jepsen. The Girls creator is co-writing the book with playwright Jessica Huang, while the Grammy-nominated Jepsen is composing the score alongside producer Ethan Gruska. Dream team, indeed.
The original film helped launch the careers of Stiles, Ledger and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and featured a soundtrack packed with late-'90s alt-pop gems that still hit today—thanks to a potent mix of nostalgia and genuine staying power. If that cultural memory translates to ticket sales, the Broadway version is likely to enjoy a strong debut. Here’sto hoping Letters to Cleo and Semisonic get their rightful stage moment—and that whoever steps into Ledger’s iconic role can deliver that unforgettable rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” on a set of bleachers.
Details such as the opening date, casting and further production info are still under wraps, but we’ll be tracking updates as they come in. Stay tuned.