The 1982 cross-dressing comedy Tootsie may be heading to Broadway. The film is the first of what could be many adaptations over a five year deal signed between Sony Entertainment and Tony-winning Broadway producer Scott Sanders that grants to the producer stage rights to any film in the studio’s catalog.
The original film starred Dustin Hoffman as a down-and-out actor who dresses in drag in order to secure a role on a popular daytime soap opera. But as his character’s popularity takes off with viewers, he finds himself attracted to his young co-star who doesn’t know of his unusual double life. Directed by Sydney Pollack, the film earned 10 Academy Award nominations.
Sanders is no stranger to bringing films to the Great White Way. In 2005 he produced the Broadway adaptation of The Color Purple. His production company Scott Sanders Theatrical Productions is also producing the upcoming musical Houdini starring Hugh Jackman.
With the deal just being announced, there is no creative team attached to the project.
Film to footlights adaptations are being seen by many Broadway producers as a way of selling tickets to audiences with stories that they are already familiar with. Currently there are a number of Broadway shows running that are derived from movies including Once, Bring It On, Ghost, Leap Of Faith and Sister Act.
Via LA Times.
