EXCLUSIVE: The Danish Girl, David Ebershoff’s bestselling novel that was adapted for a 2015 film starring Eddie Redmayne and Oscar winner Alicia Vikander, is being developed as a stage musical, producer George Strus announced today.
The musical will feature book and lyrics by Nora Brigid Monahan, an original score by Alex Parker and direction by Georgie Rankcom. The production will have its first private workshop this week.
The Danish Girl tells the story of Lili Elbe, one of the most famous figures in transgender history. The synopsis: “In a contemporary art gallery, a woman stands before the century-old paintings by Gerda Wegener and Lili Elbe, searching for the truth behind the mythology of their lives and queer love. The show is an exploration of the legacy left behind by these two trailblazers and their relevance almost a hundred years later.”
Strus, CDO of Benson Drive Productions, said in a statement, “I am thrilled to be working with Georgie, Nora, and Alex to bring The Danish Girl to the stage. David’s historic novel shaped queer literature by providing one of the earliest fictional accounts of gender affirmation surgery and our musical works to continue to honor the great life of Lili Elbe with a majority-trans creative team.”
Strus continued, “Authentic trans representation in the media is dwindling but is now more crucial than ever before; we hope this production not only uplifts David’s renowned text and Lili’s profound legacy, but also creates space for deeper understanding, empathy, and connection across audiences in London, New York, and beyond.”
Ebershoff’s novel, based on a true story from the 1920s, debuted as a bestseller in 2000 and was adapted for the film in 2015 by director Tom Hooper and screenwriter Lucinda Coxon. The film earned four Oscar nominations (for Redmayne and Vikander as well as for production design and costume design; Vikander won in the Best Supporting Actress category).
Future plans for The Danish Girl musical adaptation will be announced later this year.
Benson Drive Productions is currently lead producing the Amber Ruffin Off Broadway musical Bigfoot!, and Strus’ Broadway producing or co-producing credits include Oh, Mary!, Liberation, Cats The Jellicle Ball, Proof, The Roommate, All In: Comedy About Love, Romeo + Juliet and Illinoise.
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