Just how prestigious can a jukebox musical get? That seems to be the question posed by Fire & Rain, the jukebox musical using the stylings of singer-songwriter James Taylor. Typically jukebox musicals are the “light fare” of the theater world. Think Mamma Mia! or Jersey Boys, with their megamix endings. Taylor’s music, however, is going to need a different tone. Enter: a fancy-pants creative team co-signed (on a marriage certificate) by Carrie Coon herself. Below, find everything we know about this upcoming, stately show.
Who’s on the creative team?
A bunch of award winners, that’s who. The book is written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tracy Letts (August: Osage County), and it is being directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer (The Band’s Visit), who is currently working on George Clooney’s theatrical adaptation of Good Night and Good Luck. And if that wasn’t distinguished enough for you, don’t forget that Taylor is not only a Grammy winner but a Kennedy Center honoree.
What’s it about?
The press release notes that the show will feature an “original story” written by Letts. This is no bio-musical à la The Cher Show or Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. But it’s safe to hazard a guess that at least one character will have at least one friend, so that they can sing “You’ve Got a Friend.”
How soon is this happening?
There’s no real confirmation, just that it’s “in development.” Musicals, despite what the first season of Smash would have you believe, take a long time to develop. That said, one of the producers on the show is a Nederlander, and the Nederlander Theatre will presumably need a resident once Idina Menzel’s Redwood contract is up, so … get writing!
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Written by Pulitzer winner Tracy Letts and directed by Tony winner David Cromer.
