NEW YORK, Oct 20 — Andy Karl will find himself in repetition with Groundhog Day.
The seasoned stage actor will reprise his starring role in the Broadway transfer of the London production, which begins previews March 16 ahead of its April 17 opening at the August Wilson Theatre. He led the world premiere run at the Old Vic, which wrapped last month.
Based on the beloved 1993 movie, directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray, the musical adaptation reunites much of the key creative team from Matilda, the acclaimed musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel, which has been a hit on both sides of the Atlantic: director Matthew Warchus, composer-lyricist Tim Minchin, choreographer Peter Darling and designer Rob Howell. The book is by Danny Rubin, who co-wrote the Columbia Pictures film’s screenplay with Ramis, based on Rubin’s story.
The plot follows the mind-bending experience of misanthropic Pittsburgh TV weatherman Phil Connors, disgruntled at being sent to small-town Pennsylvania to cover the annual Groundhog Day event. When a blizzard prevents his return to the city, he gets caught in a time loop, replaying the same day over and over until he softens his cynical demeanour, befriending and helping everyone he meets over the course of the day.
Additional cast is to be announced for Groundhog Day, which will be produced on Broadway by Whistle Pig and Columbia Live Stage. The show joins a roster of new musicals competing for Tony honours this season that includes Holiday Inn, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, A Bronx Tale, Dear Evan Hansen, In Transit, Come From Away, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Anastasia. — The Hollywood Reporter/Bloomberg
