Rumours of a musical stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley biopic have got one step closer with Lurhmann confirming in a recent interview that “all my shows naturally can become musicals”. The director made the comments whilst attending a gala event of Moulin Rouge! The Musical in London’s West End which was in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Luhrmann said “I don’t know when but, without putting headlines out there, I don’t know how it wouldn’t be. Think of the role of Tom Parker (The Colonel – Presley’s manager) anchoring a whirling musical around Elvis.” He added that Elvis star Austin Butler performed Presley’s songs in total during filming, and a stag performer could do likewise. “We didn’t call cut. On a musical stage version your could let it flow. A live stage version would give both the live performance and the inner life of Elvis.”
Two of Luhrmann’s films, Strictly Ballroom and Moulin Rouge have become successful stage shows in recent years, with Moulin Rouge! The Musical currently playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End, on Broadway and in Sydney Australia, and Strictly Ballroom The Musical currently touring the UK.
With an acclaimed back catalogue and the film already a huge success, a musical adaptation is the obvious next step. It wouldn’t be the first stage production inspired by the legendary singer, with the 1960 Presley: Bye Bye Birdie and the more recent but short-lived 2005 juke box musical All Shook Up.
Luhrmann made the comments in a video for What’s On Stage.
Book tickets to Moulin Rouge! The Musical
More details to follow.
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