AceShowbiz - Broadway is preparing to welcome a new musical adaptation of the beloved animated film Happy Feet, the Oscar-winning story about dancing and singing Emperor penguins created by George Miller.

The live stage production will be directed by Tony Award-winning Michael Arden and produced by another Tony winner, Dori Berinstein, known for her work on Legally Blonde and The Prom. This new musical version is based on the 2006 CG-animated feature by Miller and Warner Bros. Pictures, which combined vibrant music and dance to captivate audiences worldwide.

The book for the stage show is penned by Douglas Lyons, while the choreography team includes tap dancer Ayodele Casel alongside Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher "Cree" Grant, known for their work on productions such as The Lost Boys and Parade. This collaboration promises to deliver dynamic and engaging dance sequences true to the film’s spirit.

The producers have confirmed that the musical will feature the original movie’s catchy songs and energetic dance numbers, retaining the soundtrack that helped the film and its sequel gross over $847 million worldwide.

The creative team extends beyond direction and choreography, including a number of Tony Award-winning designers: Dane Laffrey on sets, Susan Hilferty handling costumes, and Natasha Katz for lighting design. The production also benefits from the expertise of puppet designer Basil Twist, orchestrator and co-arranger Kenny Seymour, and music supervisor/co-arranger Jackson Teeley.

The musical is being developed with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, a company currently involved in several Broadway projects such as Crazy Rich Asians, Practical Magic, The Lost Boys, and Dog Day Afternoon. Mark Kaufman, executive vice president and chief content officer at the venture, will act as a creative consultant, while Miller will serve as a consulting producer.

General management duties are assigned to Wagner Johnson Productions. The original Happy Feet film earned the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2007 and featured a notable voice cast including Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Robin Williams, and Nicole Kidman. Its sequel, Happy Feet Two, was released in 2011.

This upcoming Broadway adaptation aims to bring the joyful energy and heartwarming story of Happy Feet to the stage, inviting audiences to experience the magic of the dancing penguins live in a new theatrical form.