Mahjong sets, whispering aunties, and dumpling entrées soon to litter around Broadway as director Jon M. Chu is slated to bring the hit 2018 film "Crazy Rich Asians" to the stage as a musical.
About the Upcoming 'Crazy Rich Asians' Broadway Musical
Currently in development with Chu at the helm, backed by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and the original novel's author Kevin Kwan, the production marks Chu's debut theatrical project in the Main Stem.
That said, the director has been Hollywood's designated filmmaker in regards to adapting stage shows into films in the past few years, with Chu currently working on the two-part movie series iteration of "Wicked."
Previously, he has also directed Lin-Manuel Miranda's revival of "In the Heights."
As for the forthcoming stage adaptation of "Crazy Rich Asians," its press release describes the show as "a fun, engaging, and hilarious look at what can happen when young love collides with old money."
The production will similarly derive the narrative heft from the Kwan novel revolving around a Chinese-American professor named Rachel, who finds herself traveling to Singapore with her current partner Nick, oblivious to the fact that his oriental family is "crazy" rich.
According to Variety, a sequel for the film has been in the pipeline for over five years now, following its economic triumph after grossing $239 million globally.
Initially starring Constance Wu, Henry Golding, and Michelle Yeoh, the would-be follow is reportedly dubbed "China Rich Girlfriend," named after Wang's follow-up novel to "Crazy Rich Asians."
The musical is set to feature a book written by Leah Nanako Winkler, music by Helen Park, and lyrics penned by both Amanda Green and Tat Tong. Further details about the timeline of the musical for a brief off-Broadway engagement will be announced at a later date.
