The 1998 graduating class of Huntington Hillside High School is making a comeback in the most unexpected way – a musical! This time, the familiar faces of the iconic teen movie “Can’t Hardly Wait” will be hitting the stage instead of the screen. The co-writer and director, Deborah Kaplan, recently announced the exciting news of a musical adaptation of the beloved film, sending fans into a frenzy of nostalgia and anticipation.
Kaplan and her co-writer, Harry Elfont, are taking on the role of “benevolent godparents” for this new production, entrusting the direction to Kate Sullivan and the writing to Sinead Daly. With arrangements and orchestrations by Jesse Vargas, the team is determined to bring the essence of the late ’90s and early 2000s to life on stage. The musical is being produced by Michael Barra and Allison Bressi of Lively McCabe Entertainment, along with Natalia Nastaskin and Ramon Villa of Primary Wave Music.
One of the most exciting aspects of “Can’t Hardly Wait: The Musical” is the promise of iconic hits from the Primary Wave and Sony Music Publishing Catalogs. The score will transport audiences back to the era of the original film, tapping into the music that defined a generation. Barra expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to adapt this cult classic for the theatrical stage, while Nastaskin is thrilled to contribute their vast catalog of hits to power the soundtrack of this timeless story.
For those unfamiliar with the original film, “Can’t Hardly Wait” follows the journey of six high school seniors on the night of their graduation party. The central storyline revolves around Preston Meyers, played by Ethan Embry, as he attempts to declare his feelings for his longtime crush, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt. The movie features a star-studded ensemble cast of young Hollywood talents from the late ’90s, including Selma Blair, Jason Segel, Melissa Joan Hart, and many more.
As fans eagerly await the premiere of “Can’t Hardly Wait: The Musical,” the buzz surrounding this new adaptation continues to grow. With a talented team at the helm and a score filled with nostalgic hits, the stage production is set to captivate audiences in a whole new way. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or a newcomer to the story, this musical promises to be a memorable and entertaining experience for all. Get ready to sing along to the tunes of the late ’90s and immerse yourself in the world of Huntington Hillside High School once again.