MovieChat Forums > Pillow Talk (1959) Discussion > What about a stage adaptation?

What about a stage adaptation?

posted 13 years ago by adamunc
2 replies | jump to latest

With the mania for all things mid-century these days, I was thinking that this would actually be a film that might adapt well to the musical stage. You'd have to punch up the triangle between Brad, Johnathan and Jan a little more to give the plot more heft, but otherwise I think it would work great. You could even interpolate a couple of Day standards into an otherwise original score. And imagine what a set designer could do with the film's finale in Brad's apartment!

Castingwise, I'm thinking Hugh Jackman would be great in the Rock Hudson role. (He does Broadway between film commitments, so it's not out of the question and it guarantees box office.) Extraordinary stage talent Kelli O'Hara would be wonderful in the Doris role. Andrew Rannells of "Book of Mormon" fame would be ideal in the Randall role and I was thinking Linda Lavin in the Thelma Ritter role.

[–] FletcherofLocksley 13 years ago

My high school did this as a play. I don't remember it, though, so I couldn't tell you how they adapted it.

I think that your cast would be perfect for a musical. Kellie O'Hara has already played another Doris part on stage, so it's not a stretch at all.

If we want a younger cast, I could see Benjamin Walker in the Rock Hudson role. I don't know about the girls, though.

Geronimo

[–] trufflesandme 10 years ago

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks this could be a strong musical comedy on Broadway. I've thought that for years!

This seems like a piece that Jerry Mitchell would direct well. For Jan, I prefer Laura Benanti (I think she can do anything); she's prettier and more charming than Kelli O'Hara. Hugh Jackman would be perfect as Brad! I originally imagined Cheyenne Jackson in the role, but Hugh is a much better choice (in terms of talent and box office draw). Neil Patrick Harris as Jonathan (the Tony Randall role), Andrea Martin or Jackie Huffman in the Thelma Ritter role, with costumes by William Ivey Long or Catherine Zuber.