Readings and WorkshopsTo Wong Foo Musical Adaptation in the Works From Douglas Carter BeaneThe Tony nominee, who penned the 1995 cult favorite, is working with composer Lewis Flinn on the new stage version.
By
Ryan McPhee
October 19, 2017
Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo in To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie NewmarUniversal City Studios
The queer cult classic To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar will head to the stage in a new musical adaptation. Douglas Carter Beane, the Tony-nominated playwright and book writer who made his screenwriting debut with the 1995 film, will collaborate with composer Lewis Flinn on the project.
Douglas Carter Beane
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Beane and Flinn have previously worked together on the musical Lysistrata Jones, as well as Hood: The Robin Hood Musical Adventure. The latter made its world premiere earlier this year at Dallas Theater Center and is eyeing a potential Broadway transfer.
The stage adaptation, condensed in name to To Wong Foo, will receive a developmental presentation through the American Academy of Dramatic Arts November 1–4. The cast will feature members of the Academy’s New York acting company.
The 1995 film stars Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo as Noxeema, Vida, and Chi-Chi, three New York drag queens who embark on a road trip to enter a drag pageant on Los Angeles. The movie features performances and cameos by such queer icons as RuPaul, Stockard Channing, Blythe Danner, and Naomi Campbell.
Beane previously premiered Hood (under the title Robin Hood) at AADA, as well as the Noël Coward-inspired Me and the Girls and Fairycakes.
