They say there´s always music in the air (on Broadway)... (Part 61)
I've had a few e-mail enquiries regarding a report on
Here's an edited excerpt from the Variety piece:
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Two massive Asian-themed shows are in simultaneous development. But only one dangles the possibility of an international space oddity from the West: David Bowie.
(After a paragraph about a legit version of Ang Lee-helmed pic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the piece continues thus...)
Then there's the new musical based on the life story of kung fu legend Bruce Lee, under development by Chi-based Elephant Eye Theatricals. That show's profile took a leap when Bowie was spotted in Toronto, yakking with director Matthew Warchus. Warchus is helming the "Lord of the Rings" musical in Toronto and was previously announced as director of the Lee project (David Henry Hwang has been tapped as book-writer). If the Bowie angle pans out, this will be the chameleon-like rock star's legit debut.
Producer (and former Disney Theatricals exec) Stuart Oken had no comment on Bowie's involvement as the writer of music and lyrics. He did say, though, that the Lee show will be a very different project from "Crouching Tiger," despite Lee's iconic status in the world of martial arts."Our show is a legit show," says Oken. "No flying. No wires. No Cirque-type stuff. I see us doing something far more in the mode of 'The Lion King.' Something low-tech." Oken says he's aiming for 2008 -- and plans at least two tryout cities prior to Gotham.
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I wouldn't normally respond to stories such as this until it's decided that such a thing can be officially confirmed or denied...particularly when the producer says he's aiming for a date as far away as 2008!
What I can say is that David Bowie has been pitched by several companies to write for Broadway, but has not as yet contracted with any one of them.
If he does sign for this or any other project, we'll obviously let you know.