Clueless (musical)

Clueless is a 2018 jukebox musical based on the 1995 film of the same name written by Amy Heckerling. It is loosely based on Jane Austen's 1815 novel Emma, updating the setting to modern-day Beverly Hills.[1][2] The musical premiered Off-Broadway on November 20, 2018, with an official opening on December 11, in The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center. Performances ran through January 12, 2019. while financially successful, critical reception was mixed to negative in comparison to other teen movie musicals and to the movie. No other productions have been announced so far.

Clueless
MusicVarious
LyricsVarious
BookAmy Heckerling
BasisClueless
by Amy Heckerling
PremiereNovember 20, 2018: The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, New York City
Productions2018 Off-Broadway

As a non-traditional jukebox musical, the show uses '80s and '90s songs as the entire score, with lyric changes to fit the scene. It features classics such as "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia, "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child, "Kids in America" by Kim Wilde, and "Beautiful Life" by Ace of Base.

Productions

Off-Broadway (2018)

The musical opened Off-Broadway at The Pershing Square Signature Center, produced by The New Group, on November 20, 2018, for a limited engagement until January 12, 2019.[3] The production was directed by Kristin Hanggi, choreographed by Kelly Devine and the show's music supervision, arrangements and orchestration was provided by Ethan Popp. The production's design team included scenery by Beowulf Boritt, costumes by Amy Clark, lighting by Jason Lyons, sound by Gareth Owen, and projections by Darrel Maloney.[4]

Characters and original cast
Character Off-Broadway
(2018)[5]
Cher Horowitz Dove Cameron
Dionne Davenport Zurin Villanueva
Tai Frasier Ephie Aardema
Josh Lucas Dave Thomas Brown
Mel Horowitz / Alphonse Hall / DMV Instructor Chris Hoch
Amber Mariens Tessa Grady
Christian Stovitz Justin Mortelliti
Miss Geist / Millie Stoeger Megan Sikora
Murray Duvall Gilbert L. Bailey II
Travis Birkenstock Will Connolly
Elton Tiscia Brett Thiele
Summer Talya Groves
Sean Holliday Darius Jordan Lee
Heather Sara Andreas
Lucy Danielle Marie Gonzalez
Max L’ogan J’ones

Musical numbers

Critical response

Clueless, The Musical received mostly mixed reviews.[6] Frank Rizzo of Variety called the narrative "lightweight" but praised the overall look and tone of the show. He praised the design, costumes, and choreography as well. Rizzo, describing Kelly Devine's choreography, said "its teen-energy moves are a constant pleasure". Rizzo also said that "Beowulf Boritt’s design essentials are rad and Amy Clark’s costumes recall the too-cool-to-care designs of the period and its stylish plaids and pleats". Rizzo also praised the music selection for show, calling Amy Heckerling's reworking of the lyrics "crafty".[7]

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter found the show "hit-or-miss". Rooney praised that the show stuck closely to the original's plot but criticized that there was no element of surprise. Rooney wrote that "in comparison to other teen classics retooled for the stage, like Mean Girls, Heathers: The Musical or Bring It On, the show rarely steps out from the shadow of its screen source with anything new to offer."[8]

References
  1. Mazmanian, Melissa. "Reviving Emma" in a Clueless World: The Current Attraction to a Classic Structure. Persuasions Online: Occasional Papers No. 3. Fall 1999. Jane Austen Society of North America website. Accessed November 12, 2013.
  2. Stern, Lesley. "Emma in Los Angeles" Clueless as a remake of the book and the city. Archived October 6, 2013, at the Wayback Machine Australian Humanities Review website, 1997. Accessed November 12, 2013.
  3. Gans, Andrew. "Clueless Musical, Starring Dove Cameron, Opens December 11". Playbill. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  4. Franklin, Marc J. "A Look at Clueless, The Musical Off-Broadway". Playbill. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  5. Evans, Greg. "Clueless' Off Broadway Musical Announces Full Cast; Opening Date Set". Deadline. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  6. Gans, Andrew. "Read Reviews for Off-Broadway's Clueless Musical, Starring Dove Cameron". Playbill. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  7. Rizzo, Frank. "Off Broadway Review: 'Clueless' the Musical". Variety. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  8. Rooney, David. "'Clueless, The Musical': Theater Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
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