Hedwig & The Angry Inch composer/lyricist Stephen Trask and Rock Of Ages author Chris D’Arienzo have signed on for the Broadway musical adaption of Arnon Milchan’s The King Of Comedy for New Regency. The 1982 movie, directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by New Regency, starred Jerry Lewis as a talk show host who is kidnapped by a desperate comedian stalker (Robert De Niro) who wants his own fame.
“We are very excited to have Stephen and Chris on board to bring this classic film, with its quirky characters and contemporary themes surrounding fame and celebrity, to the Broadway stage,” said New Regency’s Bill Weiner in a statement. Weiner is overseeing the project and leading the company’s stage efforts.
“I saw King Of Comedy in film class at Wesleyan and I still can’t get it out of my head,” said Trask. “To get asked by New Regency, one of the most consequential film companies ever, to make a musical with my friend Chris D’Arienzo, out of what might be the greatest movie ever, is one of the most exciting opportunities to come my way. And, we didn’t have to kidnap anybody to make it happen.”
Said D’Arienzo: “I am beyond thrilled to work with Stephen and New Regency to bring Rupert Pupkin’s toxic fantasy world to the stage. The film is an absolute classic and it is an honor to explore this timely and twisted view of ‘fame obsession’ with such talented and thoughtful collaborators.”
Trask and D’Arienzo are repped by CAA and Trask is managed by Steven Saporito.
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