Ten years after La La Land danced its way into Hollywood's heart—and its trophy case—the beloved musical is officially heading to the stage. Lionsgate has confirmed that the original creative team behind the film is reuniting for a new theatrical production, bringing back the magic that made the movie a global phenomenon.
The stage adaptation will feature Emmy-winning choreographer Mandy Moore and Oscar-nominated costume designer Mary Zophres, both of whom were instrumental in crafting the film's iconic look and feel. Moore was behind the breathtaking dance numbers, including that unforgettable opening sequence on a gridlocked Los Angeles freeway, while Zophres designed the vibrant costumes that became a visual signature of the movie.
Joining them are producer Marc Platt, who has a Tony and Emmy to his name, and Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher, known for his work on South Pacific. The music will be composed by Justin Hurwitz, who won Oscars for the film's score and song, with lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar and Matthew Decker are writing the book, and 59 Studio—whose credits include Stranger Things: The First Shadow—will handle production design alongside Edward Pierce.
For those who need a refresher, La La Land follows Mia, an aspiring actress working at a coffee shop on the Warner Bros. lot, and Sebastian, a jazz pianist dreaming of opening his own club. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of Los Angeles as they push each other to chase their ambitions—only to discover that success can come at a cost.
The original film, directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, was a massive hit when it premiered in 2016. It grossed $472 million worldwide on a modest $30 million budget and earned 14 Academy Award nominations, winning six, including Best Director for Chazelle and Best Actress for Stone. Its soundtrack, featuring songs like "City of Stars" and "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)," became a cultural touchstone.
This stage adaptation is part of a broader trend of bringing beloved movie musicals to the theater, much like Dirty Dancing's upcoming Broadway run. Fans of the film can also revisit its magic through other movie musicals that hit every note.
While no casting or opening date has been announced yet, the reunion of Moore and Zophres is a promising sign that the stage version will capture the spirit of the original. As the project develops, expect more details to emerge about this highly anticipated production.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting return to the City of Stars.
