The only way I would have agreed to bring my art to bear on this project was by securing complete creative control of the theatrical product. Because Tucker had never seen a play before and has no understanding of theatrical art or its practitioners—in fact, he called me, to my face, a “theater fag”—he agreed to give me full creative control in all aspects of this project. He has not seen the script, nor will he even attend a rehearsal. The first time he sees the show will be opening night. He might show up expecting crass; what everyone will get is High Art, delivered by a Black, Latino, GLBT, musical-loving bunch of “theatre fags.
British theater company Indie Garden Theater recently performed a stage adaptation of ‘(500) Days of Summer’ in Birmingham.
While not much media or details are available, besides the poster and headshots on their website, one blogger’s review seems fairly positive.
The theatrical version, adapted by Benedict Black and Beau Giblin of IndieGarden Theatre, is largely true to the film. Tricky scenes like the Ikea make-believe are left to filmed versions but the rest, including That Dance, are performed live and wonderfully so. Music is integral to the play, from the scene where Tom and Summer first interact throughout the film and the inclusion of a duo performing live on stage was a stroke of genius and added to the play’s impact.
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That said the play was emotionally engaging, well directed. Whilst the initial response was bemusement as to how it would work, the play surpassed expectations, especially considering it was the world premier (at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham). There’s no word on their website about more shows but if they do more it’s definitely one to see.
Would love to see others take this on — or it even come stateside.
(via @thisisweber, the film’s co-screenwriter)
Based on the original novel, the non-musical play will be mounted at LA’s Geffen Playhouse by director John Doyle. It will run from July 3rd to August 12th.
Thinking about it, maybe Kevin Smith should have been a playwright all along?
Ugh, this means I might have to watch an episode of Gossip Girl.
They’re shooting for a spring opening.
Mike Nichols will direct the revival of Death of a Salesman starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as Willy Loman, Linda Edmond as, and Andrew Garfield stage in the role of Biff.
The production is heading for the Barrymore Theater next March.
