Happy Feet, the 2006 Oscar-winning animated film about a tap-dancing penguin named Mumble, is being developed as a Broadway-bound musical, with two-time Tony winner Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending, Parade) to direct.
The project was announced today by Tony-winning producer Dori Berinstein (Legally Blonde, The Prom, Thoroughly Modern Millie).
In addition to Arden, the creative team includes book writer Douglas Lyons (Chicken & Biscuits, Fraggle Rock). The choreography team is comprised of tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel (Funny Girl), and Lauren Yalango-Grant & Christopher “Cree” Grant (The Lost Boys, Parade). The musical, according to the announcement, will feature songs from the motion picture as well as “a lineup of chart-topping favorites.”
Dates for future productions, as well as additional creative team members, will be announced shortly.
The 2006 film featured a voice cast including Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Hugo Weaving, Anthony LaPaglia, Magda Szubanski and Steve Irwin.
The synopsis: Born into a world that measures worth by song, Mumble’s extraordinary dancing sets him apart – and sends him on a life-changing adventure that challenges tradition, celebrates individuality, and reveals the power of daring to be different. Originally released in 2006 by Warner Bros., Happy Feet captured hearts worldwide with its dance-driven, uplifting story, and iconic soundtrack.”
The original film and its sequel Happy Feet Two, both directed by George Miller, grossed more than $847 million worldwide.
The design team for the musical includes Tony Award-winning set designer Dane Laffrey (Maybe Happy Ending, Once on This Island), Tony Award-winning costume designer Susan Hilferty (Wicked, Spring Awakening), Tony Award-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz (Sweeney Todd, Once), puppet designer Basil Twist (Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory), Orchestrator/ Co-Arranger Kenny Seymour (Ain’t Too Proud, Soul Train), and Music Supervisor/Co-Arranger Jackson Teeley (Alien/Nation).
The musical is being produced by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, whose upcoming projects also include adaptations of Crazy Rich Asians, Practical Magic, and the current Broadway productions of The Lost Boys and Dog Day Afternoon. Mark Kaufman, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, will serve as creative consultant, and George Miller serves as Consulting Producer.