Broadway plans for a beloved teen classic
The 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You is set to make its stage debut on Broadway in 2027. The production follows a growing trend of adapting popular movies for the Great White Way, a strategy that has delivered hits such as Mean Girls and Legally Blonde. The upcoming musical is being positioned as a major seasonal offering for the 2027‑2028 Broadway season.
From a 1999 teen film to a stage spectacle
Directed by Gil Junger, the original movie was written by Karen McCullah and Kirsten "Kiwi" Smith and starred Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon‑Levitt. The film earned more than $60 million worldwide and became a cultural touchstone for its witty dialogue and iconic soundtrack. Its enduring popularity makes it a strong candidate for a theatrical reinterpretation.
Creative forces behind the adaptation
The musical’s book is being co‑written by Lena Dunham and playwright Jessica Huang. Music and lyrics are supplied by pop star Carly Rae Jepsen together with composer Ethan Gruska. Choreography and direction are in the hands of Christopher Wheeldon, a veteran of both ballet and Broadway who previously earned a Tony for American Idiot. The blend of Dunham’s sharp humor, Jepsen’s melodic sensibility and Wheeldon’s movement expertise promises a fresh yet faithful take on the source material.
Lena Dunham and Jessica Huang shape the book
Dunham’s theatrical background
Best known for creating the television series Girls, Dunham has also written for the stage, most notably the off‑Broadway play The Feminist. Her involvement signals a focus on witty dialogue and contemporary relevance, qualities that align with the original film’s tone. Dunham’s experience in navigating teen narratives will likely inform the adaptation’s emotional core.
Huang’s experience in musical theatre
Jessica Huang has contributed to several Broadway workshops and regional productions, bringing a strong sense of structure to the script. Her previous collaborations with Wheeldon on dance‑driven pieces suggest a seamless integration of movement and story.
Music by Carly Rae Jepsen and Ethan Gruska
Pop sensibility meets Broadway tradition
Jepsen’s catalogue, highlighted by the global hit “Call Me Maybe,” showcases her knack for crafting catchy hooks. Partnering with Ethan Gruska, whose work includes scores for indie films, the duo is expected to deliver a soundtrack that balances pop energy with theatrical storytelling. Early reports indicate that classic lines from the film will be set to new musical numbers, while original songs will explore characters’ inner thoughts.
Production timeline and key dates
Workshops and casting progress
According to Broadway League data, the project entered its development phase in early 2024. A series of closed workshops took place in the summer of 2025, allowing the creative team to refine choreography and song placement. Casting calls were announced in late 2025, with several Broadway veterans expressing interest in the lead roles.
Opening night expectations for 2027
The producers have targeted a spring 2027 opening at a major Broadway house, though the exact venue remains under negotiation. Ticket pre‑sales are slated to begin in late 2026, with a tiered pricing model that mirrors recent musical launches. Industry analysts from Playbill anticipate strong demand, especially among younger audiences familiar with the original film.
What fans can expect on stage
Key characters and story arcs
The musical will retain the core love triangle of Kat (the independent rebel), Patrick (the charismatic new student) and Bianca (the popular older sister). Supporting characters such as Cameron, Michael and the iconic “school bully” will also appear, each receiving musical moments that deepen their motivations. The narrative will follow the film’s structure while expanding on subplots that were only hinted at on screen.
Signature songs and new numbers
Jepsen and Gruska plan to incorporate a modern pop anthem for the school dance scene, replacing the original soundtrack’s 90s hits with an original composition that captures the excitement of teenage romance. A ballad titled “Words I Can’t Say” is rumored to give Kat a solo moment that explores her vulnerability. The final ensemble piece is expected to celebrate the theme of self‑acceptance.
Industry reactions and ticket demand
Critical buzz from early previews
Early feedback from industry insiders, reported by Broadway.com, describes the production as “fresh, energetic and true to the spirit of the film.” Critics have praised the decision to enlist a pop star for the score, noting that Jepsen’s involvement could attract a broader demographic.
Pre‑sale strategies and fan engagement
The marketing team plans to launch a social media campaign featuring behind‑the‑scenes clips, lyric teasers and interactive polls. A limited‑time “early bird” ticket package will include a digital meet‑and‑greet with members of the creative team. These tactics aim to build momentum well before the official opening.
- Book by Lena Dunham and Jessica Huang
- Music and lyrics by Carly Rae Jepsen and Ethan Gruska
- Direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon
- Targeted Broadway opening in spring 2027
- Early workshops held in 2025, casting in progress
As the project moves from development to full production, fans of the original movie and musical theatre enthusiasts alike have reasons to be excited. The combination of a celebrated writer, a chart‑topping pop artist and a seasoned Broadway director suggests a production that could become a staple of the modern musical canon.
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