Luhrmann goes back to the Ballroom
Baz Luhrmann will start work on the book, text and music for a stage musical adaptation of Strictly Ballroom; the show will be produced in partnership with Global Creatures.
“After years of talk about bringing Strictly Ballroom to the musical stage, I’m energised by the partnership we have made with an Australian company that has made a giant impression on the world’s stages over the last three years,” said Luhrmann in a statement.
Strictly Ballroom was originally conceived by Luhrman as a stage play in 1984, and adapted as his feature debut in 1992 – winning the Prix de le Jeunesse at Cannes and receiving a nomination for the Golden Globe. It was made for less than $5m, and earned more than $80m worldwide. The new musical will be based on the film version.
Luhrmann’s work will commence in December; he is also set to direct. The musical will be produced by Global Creatures CEO Carmen Pavlovic and Rob Brookman. Production design will be in charge of Catherine Martin.
According to Pavlovic, Global Creatures holds the worldwide rights to the musical “in all theatrical forms”.
