‘Karate Kid’ Musical To Be Developed For Broadway
BroadwayMoviesTheater
January 22, 2020
Olivia Perreault 0
Following the highly successful film, “The Karate Kid” is slated to hit the Broadway stage.
The movie, which was released in 1984, was written by Robert Mark Kamen and featured actors Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, and Elizabeth Shue. Kamen, who will write the book for the Broadway show, released a statement to the New York Daily News on Wednesday, writing that he never thought “this little movie would reach across generations the way it has.”
“And beyond my wildest dreams did I think what started out as a love letter to my devotion to Okinawan Karate and the man who taught me would become a full-blown Broadway musical,” Kamen said. “But here it is. Here I am. And here is hoping that what comes to the stage brings the same joy and relevance ‘The Karate Kid’ has brought to countless kids and their parents for the past 35 years. Go figure.”
“The Karate Kid” follows the story of a teenager, Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), who is taught Karate by Mr. Miyagi (Morita) to help defend himself and compete in tournaments against his bullies – including the ex-boyfriend of his love interest. The film became a commercial success for not only its writing and acting, but action sequences, kick-starting a karate frenzy in the states. It was nominated for both an Academy Award and Golden Globe in 1985. “The Karate Kid” had three sequels and was remade in 2010.
Producer Kumiko Yoshii promised that old school fans of “The Karate Kid” won’t be disappointed in the Broadway show, noting that while “Robert’s story is our bible,” he will reinvent the story so it can be told on stage. Yoshii will work alongside composer Drew Gasparini and Japanese director Amon Miyamoto.
At this time, casting and further information regarding the musical has not been announced.