A new musical adapted from the 2013 film Begin Again will make its world premiere at San Diego's Old Globe in 2026, performing September 6-October 11. Lorin Latarro (Chess) will direct, with opening set for September 17.
The story follows a heartbroken songwriter who meets a record producer on the verge of a burnout, setting off an unlikely collaboration that transforms them both. The title will become the third film of writer-director John Carney to get the stage musical treatment, following Once and Sing Street.
The film featured its own original songs, including the Academy Award-nominated "Lost Stars," originally sung by Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine, and written by '90s rock group New Radicals, comprising Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois (who, notably to Playbill readers, also created the role of youngest orphan Molly in the original Broadway production of Annie). That song will be part of the upcoming stage show, joined by a new score from Grammy-winning Train frontman Pat Monahan. The singer-songwriter has been with the project since at least 2023, when he revealed that he was working on its songs during an appearance on The View.
Casting is to be announced.
Latarro's creative time will also include choreographer David Neumann (Hadestown) and music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator Brian Usifer (Chess).
“We are delighted to finally share that Begin Again is making its world premiere at The Old Globe in San Diego,” say producers Stephanie Kramer, Tamar Climan, and Nicole Kramer in a joint statement. “This project has been a true labor of love, and we’ve been fortunate to bring together an extraordinary team of creative artists to reimagine this beloved story for the stage. With an original score—and, of course, the Academy Award–nominated song ‘Lost Stars’—this new musical captures the heart, hope, and transformative power of music that made the film so special."
RCI Theatricals will serve as general manager.
Tickets are currently available via subscription packages at TheOldGlobe.org. A sale date for single tickets is to be announced.
