The Maurice Sendak Foundation has commissioned the first full-length stage adaptation of Maurice Sendak's renowned children's book Where the Wild Things Are. The play will receive its world premiere at New York City's New Victory Theater, marking the theatre's first foray into an original production.

The foundation has commissioned writer and director Arthur Yorinks, a friend and collaborator of the late Sendak, to pen the stage adaptation. Though appropriate for children, the play will also aim to capture the imaginations of adults.

“Maurice and I believed that good theatre for a family audience should not talk down to its audience and should in no way diminish what is presented for the sake of its audience,” says Yorinks. “The New Victory Theater has always been aligned with us and agree that what matters is the quality of the work. The Maurice Sendak Foundation feels that there could not be a better organization to produce this important play.”

The stage adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are follows a 1984 opera and 2009 film.

“Where the Wild Things Are is Maurice’s most renowned book and we are regularly approached to recreate it for the stage,” says Lynn Caponera, The Maurice Sendak Foundation President. “It was imperative to us that we develop a version that remains true to his vision. We chose Arthur because he has a unique perspective that can accurately expand on what Maurice's book implies both literally and symbolically.”

The full creative team for the production is in formation and will be announced at a later date.