Cult-classic ‘The Princess Bride’ set to become a musical

My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to… sing about it.

‘The Princess Bride’ is heading to the stage as Disney Theatrical Productions have confirmed the anticipated musical adaptation.

Based on the late William Goldman’s 1973 novel and the classic 1987 comedy film, the new show is in development with a bevy of witty writers on board the project.

Tony Award winner, David Yazbek (Broadway’s upcoming ‘Tootsie’) will pen the score, and Tony Award winner Bob Martin (‘The Prom’, ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’) and Rick Elice (‘The Cher Show’, ‘Jersey Boys’) will both collaborate on the book.

No announcement has been made regarding the production timeline or any additional creative team members.

‘The Princess Bride’ follows the story of Westley, a farmer who sets out to rescue his beloved Princess Buttercup from the impetuous Prince she is forced to marry.  The romantic fantasy starred Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn and Robin Wright, and was directed by Rob Reiner. It quickly became a cult classic, with lines often-quoted by comedy fanatics all around the world.  

For the musical reboot, it isn’t the first time the hit has fleeted staging ideas. Goldman initially teamed up with Adam Guettel (‘The Light in the Piazza’) to craft the concept, however, the pair parted ways in 2007. Subsequently, Reiner approached a number of songwriters to continue the project, before Disney Theatrical announced its commitment in bringing the story to life on stage in 2013, and in collaboration with Walt Disney Studios’, Alan Horn.

Disney Theatrical Productions are also working on another stage adaptation of the animated movie ‘Hercules’, in collaboration with the Public Theater – thus paving the way for musical theatre and Broadway.

For fans of ‘The Princess Bride’, watch this space as this musical becomes a “conceivable” force.