A new stage musical adaptation of the comedy movie ‘Working Girl’ is in the works, and Cyndi Lauper is in charge of the score.
Lauper will write the music and lyrics for the new musical. While playwright Kim Rosenstock – who’s also a writer on Fox’s ‘New Girl’ – is set to write the musical’s book based on the original screenplay of the 1988 film, written by Kevin Wade. The goal? Getting to Broadway.
The Mike Nichols’ film tells the story of a Staten Island woman called Tess McGill, portrayed by Melanie Griffith. A secretary who’s idea is stolen by her boss, Katharine Parker, played by Sigourney Weaver. Wanting to get her revenge, Tess pretends to be her boss while she’s absent for some time, and initiates a major deal with an investment broker, played by Harrison Ford.
Producers Robyn Goodman and Bob Cohen made the announcement on June 6, describing the film as “groundbreaking” for showcasing a working-class woman trying to make it in a male-dominated corporate world. “Funny and smart, this now-iconic tale is just as relevant today – and who better to adapt it for Broadway than Cyndi Lauper, who’s been a change maker in music since the ’80s, and Kim Rosenstock of the hit TV series New Girl?” they said in a statement.
Produced by Fox Stage Productions and Goodman’s Aged in Wood Productions, the adaptation of the film follows a number of Fox titles moving to the stage. While the studio’s theatrical division is working on other titles like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid,’ Aged in Wood Prods. Is focusing on bringing ‘Avenue Q’ and ‘Cinderella’ to Broadway.
Lauper’s previous Broadway success makes her perfect for the part
Back in 2013, Lauper won the Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ for her work in the musical ‘Kinky Boots,’ making her the first woman to win the category. The musical was awarded for five other Tonys including the award for Best New Musical.
The singer, best known for her ‘80s hit “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” was also awarded the Grammy Award for ‘Best Musical Theater Album’ for the cast recording.Started by Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie, the show is now heading into its fifth year on Broadway.
Lauper said in a statement that she’s excited to be part of the adaptation and to start composing the score. She said that she feels identified with the story about a woman who’s trying to gain success in unconventional ways in the middle of the ‘80s. “Women are still fighting for fundamental rights and equal pay! It’s also laugh-out-loud funny, which is why Kim Rosenstock is the perfect person to write the book. Plus, I get to work with Robyn Goodman, who is really smart and a great producer,” she added.
Details for the musical, such as director, timeline, casting, and full creative team, are yet to be announced.