STEPHEN TRASK AND CHRIS D’ARIENZO SIGN ON FOR BROADWAY MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF “THE KING OF COMEDY”
STEPHEN TRASK AND CHRIS D’ARIENZO SIGN ON FOR BROADWAY MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF “THE KING OF COMEDY” FOR NEW REGENCY
LOS ANGELES, CA – July 22, 2015 – Award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Trask (“Hedwig & The Angry Inch”) and Chris D’Arienzo, book writer of the Tony Award-nominated “Rock of Ages,” have signed on for the Broadway musical adaption of Arnon Milchan’s film classic, THE KING OF COMEDY for New Regency, it was announced today.
THE KING OF COMEDY (1982) was produced by New Regency and company founder Arnon Milchan. The cult classic centered on a desperate comedian who stalks and kidnaps a talk show host in an effort to land the TV appearance that will make his dreams come true.
“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, who 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.”