BREAKING: Barry Levinson’s 1982 film Diner is headed for Broadway in fall 2012. Base Entertainment’s Scott Zeiger and Brian Becker have announced a musical adaptation with book by Levinson and music and lyrics by Sheryl Crow. The musical marks the Broadway debut of both Levinson and Crow, the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter. Kathleen Marshall will direct and choreograph. It follows the storyline of Levinson’s breakthrough film, which was set in 1959 Baltimore and revolved around the misadventures of six high school buddies who reunite when one of them gets married. It was a launching point for young actors Kevin Bacon, Ellen Barkin, Tim Daly, Steve Guttenberg, Paul Reiser, Mickey Rourke and Daniel Stern. “Diner was a pivotal moment in my career, and since then I have continued to live with the characters, realizing there is is much more to their story,” Levinson said. “I’m excited to be embarking on this stage version, which affords me the opportunity as a storyteller to expand on my original vision and let the characters express their innermost feeling and thoughts through song.” Levinson has been working with screenwriter James Toback on a movie about the relationship between mob boss John Gotti and his son John Jr, a film that will star John Travolta and Ben Foster.





Diner was the perfect lead-off to Levinson’s Baltimore trilogy, including Tin Men and Avalon..It’s a mistake to tamper with a classic…just let it be….
may I humbly suggest a Diner sequel with the original cast?
This sounds like a terrible idea. “Diner” was a great movie, but it’s mostly scenes of guys sitting around talking. Hardly cries out for musicalization. What kinda songs are they gonna write — “Is that a penis in my popcorn”? Silly notion. Stick with movies, Barry.
an excellent film. not sure how well it will translate to a musical but i am intrigued.
I am not.
There has to be a song in it called “Alan Ameche”.
So let me get this straight, Barry—you couldn’t express your characters’ innermost thoughts and feelings when you WROTE and DIRECTED the original movie almost thirty years ago? And it’s only through Sheryl Crow-penned melodies that you’ll be able to relate their interior monologues to the audience? *sigh* If it makes you happy…
levinson jumped the shark a long time ago. go away.
Mickey Rourke in a musical? This is a joke.
Song titles include “If It Makes You Hungry,” “Soak Up the Slaw” “All I Wanna Chew,” “Every Plate Has a Widening Roll,” “The First Cut is the Leanest” and “My Favorite Mesquite.”
Now THAT is a GREAT idea! A “where are they now” sequel would be genius. And where the he’ll is Willard Broxton these days? I’ve been looking for him every time I leave a movie theater.
I grew up near the diner.Loved the movie.If Mr.Levinson is involved the play will be a winner.And Barry if you read this I could really use a job.Thanks.