Since the announcement of the Broadway adaptation of the beloved 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians in 2024, the latest development was a week long work session and 29 hour read led by the original film’s director Jon M. Chu.
With Jon M. Chu directing both Crazy Rich Asians and Wicked, it is only natural that he returns to direct the Broadway adaptation. The 2018 film was adapted from writer Kevin Kwan’s first of the three book series. It made history as the first all-Asian cast in a movie in 25 years breaking box office records and proving that romcoms are not dead and Asian-led films are very much wanted by the public. The movie has held strong in pop culture with fans lovingly referring to it as the best comfort movie to watch on an airplane.
Kevin Kwan shared on Instagram: “It was absolutely euphoric to hear these amazing actors bring the characters alive, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, and it was truly a dream come true. I cannot wait for everyone to experience this on Broadway!!!”
Here’s what we know about who’s involved.
The musical is being produced by Warner Bros. Theater Ventures under Mark Kaufman.
Music is by Helen Park and lyrics by Amanda Green and Tat Tong.
The book or script is by Leah Nanako Winkler.
Helen Shen is playing protagonist Rachel Chu originally played by Constance Wu in the film.
Ruthie Ann Miles is playing Eleanor Young, originally played by Michelle Yeoh in the film.
Liam Oh is playing Nick Young, originally played by Henry Golding in the film.
Alyssa Fox is playing the role of Astrid Teo, originally played by Gemma Chan.
There is no set release date of the musical yet, but with this recent development we can only hope that it’s soon!
