Tim Burton, Stephen Daldry, Bartlett Sher, Linda Woolverton, et al. Developing New Disney Theatricals Musicals

Linda Woolverton will write the book for a musical adaptation of Tim Burton’s 3D Alice in Wonderland movie, according to a report in Variety. Robert Jess Roth is scheduled to direct the piece for Disney Theatricals, which will have choreography by Matt West and production design by Burton and Stan Meyer. Additional members of the creative team, including composer, and a schedule for the show’s development have not been announced.

Woolverton wrote the screenplay for the Burton movie and has written the books to such musicals as Lestat and Aida, as well as Beauty and the Beast, which was also directed by Roth.

In related news, it has been announced that Michael Chabon is writing the book for a stage musical version of Disney’s Dumbo that will be directed by the previously reported Stephen Daldry. The show will be choreographed by Peter Darling and designed by Bob Crowley. Additionally, Bartlett Sher is scheduled to direct a stage version of Father of the Bride for Disney Theatricals.

Alongside these productions which are intended for future production on Broadway, the company is also developing two shows for regional theatres. Bridget Carpenter is working the book to a musical version of Freaky Friday, which will have songs by Ryan Scott Oliver and Mary Zimmerman will write and direct a stage version of Jungle Book.