The Stage

Hit film Ghost to be transformed into West End musical

Published Friday 6 March 2009 at 11:30 by Alistair Smith

Lord of the Rings director Matthew Warchus is bringing a new stage version of the Oscar-winning film Ghost to the West End in 2010.

Music and lyrics are by Dave Stewart, formerly of the Eurythmics, and Glen Ballard, while Brice Joel Rubin will adapt his original screenplay for the stage and write the lyrics. Rob Howell is the set and costume designer, with musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale and Tesse Gohl.

Warchus said: “Ghost was a landmark film. An unexpected combination of supernatural thriller and romance entwined. It is the kind of powerful, direct and uplifting story which lends itself well to being reborn as a musical. And the melodic strength and exciting driving energy of Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard’s music will, I believe, provide exactly the right added engine to the narrative, playing a key role in refreshing the source material for a new audience.

“From a director’s point of view the project calls for a wonderful mix of the very contrasting elements which have always excited me - illusion, spectacle, comedy and raw emotion. In the central triangle of two young lovers, separated by death, and the brilliantly comic reluctant psychic who brings them together, there is an opportunity for some wonderful acting performances by outstanding singers. It is an exciting challenge and we have assembled a very strong artistic team to achieve this goal.”

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film of 1990, Ghost won numerous awards worldwide and is one of the biggest grossing films in the UK. It starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn and Whoopi Goldberg and was directed by Jerry Zucker. Bruce Joel Rubin’s script won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and Whoopi Goldberg won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

The stage version is produced by David Garfinkle of New York’s Hello Entertainment and London producer Colin Ingram in association with Paramount Pictures. Further information about the show will be announced at a later date.

Rubin added: “Writing the movie Ghost has been, from conception to winning the Oscar, the most joyful experience of my film career. The opportunity to give it new life as a musical, to see Molly and Sam come alive again, to see their souls soar with song, is proving to be one of the great experiences of my life. Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard have helped me reshape my words and added brilliant new lyrics of their own. We have become true collaborators.

“I am thrilled to be working with two of the most celebrated musicians of our time. Matthew Warchus brings a level of insight and invention to the play that excites me. I can see Ghost reborn through his eyes. Watching it emerge through Matthew’s vision, I know, is going to be a great gift to people who love the film and a true present to those who have never seen it.”