Dunham and Jepsen’s ’10 Things I Hate About You’ Musical debuts on Broadway in 2027
Get ready for a dose of teenage rebellion and pop spectacle, because the beloved classic 10 Things I Hate About You is getting a major reimagining. The musical adaptation, a collaboration between creator Lena Dunham and pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen, is slated to hit the Broadway stage in 2027.
This ambitious project brings together two formidable creative forces to update the story of high school angst and self-discovery for a new generation. Dunham will co-write the production’s book alongside Jessica Huang, while Jepsen will craft the songs in partnership with Ethan Gruska, promising a fresh, vibrant musical interpretation of the classic narrative.
The foundation for this musical is the iconic 1999 film, which itself is a spirited take on Shakespeare’s The Taming Of The Shrew. The film follows a new student, Cameron (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who navigates the complexities of high school romance. Facing parental restrictions, Cameron teams up with the school’s resident bad boy, Patrick (Heath Ledger), to find the courage to define themselves outside of societal expectations.
The story centers on the push and pull of crushes, cliques, and the intense journey of growing up, all while navigating the emotional turbulence of adolescence. It’s a tale about two sisters setting out to forge their own path, refusing to live by others’ expectations amidst the chaos of teenage life.
The original film cemented its place in pop culture, propelling its cast into stardom. Stars like Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt found lasting fame through their roles, with Ledger earning an Academy Award for his iconic performance as The Joker. The legacy of the film continues to inspire new artists seeking to tackle universal themes of identity and defiance.
The creative team’s connection to the themes of personal identity runs deep. Dunham, in a recent memoir, shared her own reflections on navigating relationships, hinting at a deeply personal understanding of feeling adrift, adding another layer of authentic emotional depth to the project.
The combination of Dunham’s narrative sensibility and Jepsen’s knack for infectious songwriting suggests a production that will be as witty and emotionally resonant as the source material, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable Broadway experience.
Credit
