Award-winning director and choreographer Drew McOnie is planning a new stage adaptation of Oscar winning movie The Artist.
The theatre production of Michel Hazanavicius’s hit 2011 film has been co-written by McOnie and writer Lindsey Ferrentino, and will be workshopped in London in January and February next year.
The Artist is about silent screen Hollywood idol George Valentin, whose career is turned upside down with the introduction of talking pictures. The movie starred Jean Dujardin, who won an Oscar for his role.
McOnie is set to direct and choreograph the show, which aims to open in late 2023 in either London, on Broadway, or in France.
McOnie’s recent productions Jesus Christ Superstar at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and Bugsy Malone – which opens next month at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London.
Drew McOnie, Artistic Director of The McOnie Company, said: “Creating the world premiere stage adaptation of The Artist marks not only the start of a new era in my life as a theatre maker but also an arrival moment for The McOnie Company. I have held its development close to my heart for many years having been mesmerised by the original film. Having the incredible support of Michel Hazanavicius, the mastermind behind the film, is incredibly important to me. The Artist shows us that, even within this noisy world, we can find our voice if we listen with our hearts, and it’s an honour to bring this beloved story to the stage.”
Michel Hazanavicius, Director of the film The Artist, said: “I’m really touched that my film might have given other artists the desire to make a show out of it. I’m thrilled that this show finally sees the light of day. I know how much work and perseverance this required. I congratulate all the wonderful artists who are getting on stage for a recreation of The Artist.”
McOnie recently launched a new podcast about theatre called The Theatre Blueprint, with Goldsmiths University’s Siân Prime.
Book tickets to Bugsy Malone at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London
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