In an exciting development, a stage musical based on the beloved novel and popular film "Practical Magic" is currently in the works. This project brings together the talents of author Alice Hoffman, alongside Grammy-winning musicians Norah Jones and Gregg Wattenberg, with the renowned Maria Friedman set to direct.
The book for this musical adaptation is being crafted by Peter Duchan, known for his work on the 2013 musical "Dogfight," in collaboration with Hoffman herself.
Hoffman expressed her enthusiasm about the project, stating, "I’m thrilled to collaborate with such incredible partners to bring 'Practical Magic' to life on stage. This tale, rich in themes of love and sisterhood, truly belongs in the theater. Music is integral to 'Practical Magic'; you can sense its presence even while reading the book, despite it not being explicitly written. Now, audiences will finally experience the narrative as I envisioned it – infused with magic and song!"
Originally published in 1995, the novel has continued to captivate readers, leading to three sequels in the "Owens family saga": "The Rules of Magic" (2017), "Magic Lessons" (2020), and "The Book of Magic" (2021). The story was previously adapted into a Warner Bros. film in 1998, directed by Griffin Dunne, featuring stars like Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. A sequel reuniting these two actresses, directed by Susanne Bier, is also on the horizon, slated for release on September 11.
As of now, details regarding casting and a timeline for the musical's production have yet to be disclosed. This adaptation is produced through a special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, where Mark Kaufman, the Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer of WBTV, will act as a creative consultant.
Producers Stephanie and Nicole Kramer, along with Brian and Dayna Lee, announced this exciting project today. This will mark Norah Jones's first foray into musical theater; she achieved global recognition with her breakthrough 2002 album "Come Away With Me," which won multiple Grammy Awards. Since then, Jones has amassed a total of ten Grammy awards and sold over 52 million albums, with her songs streamed more than 10 billion times worldwide.
The essence of "Practical Magic" revolves around the Owens women, who have been the subject of fear and gossip in their small Massachusetts town for over two centuries. Orphaned during childhood and raised by their quirky aunts, sisters Sally and Gillian Owens strive to break free from the ancestral curse that haunts their family. Although they choose different paths to escape their past, circumstances involving love, loss, and hidden secrets eventually draw them back together. They must confront their family legacy and determine whether they can overcome their history, as well as what they are willing to sacrifice for love.
Wattenberg will be collaborating with Jones to compose the music and lyrics for the musical. He has an impressive resume, having co-written and/or produced eight Billboard #1 hits and numerous multi-Platinum tracks, including Five For Fighting’s “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and Daughtry’s “It’s Not Over.” His work includes Train’s Grammy-winning song “Hey, Soul Sister” and Phillip Phillips’ popular track “Gone, Gone, Gone,” featured in "The Amazing Spider-Man 2." Additionally, he is the founder and Co-CEO of Artist House, the largest music studio complex on the East Coast.
This adaptation of "Practical Magic" signifies another step forward for Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, which is also working on upcoming projects such as adaptations of "Crazy Rich Asians" and the Broadway-bound productions of "The Lost Boys" and "Dog Day Afternoon."
But here's where it gets controversial: Can a musical truly capture the magic of a beloved story that has resonated for decades? What do you think about this effort to adapt a cherished narrative for the stage? Are you excited to see how the themes of love and sisterhood will translate into musical form? Share your thoughts in the comments!
