Songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen and writer Lena Dunham are collaborating on a Broadway musical adaptation of the 1999 film "10 Things I Hate About You" [1].
The project marks a high-profile crossover between pop music and theater, reviving a quintessential 1990s romantic comedy for a modern stage audience [1, 2].
Jepsen is tasked with penning the music for the production, while Dunham is handling the book [3, 6]. The production is aiming to translate the film's blend of teen angst and Shakespearean influence into a theatrical format in New York City [4, 5].
Production is already underway with the casting process. The show hosted open-call auditions on July 27, 2026 [4]. During these auditions, the production sought to fill three main roles [4].
There is some conflicting information regarding the official premiere date. Some reports indicate the musical will debut in 2027 [2]. Other reports suggest the show is coming to Broadway next year [5]. Additionally, one source noted that performances will begin in August, though it did not specify the year [6].
The original 1999 movie was a critical and commercial success that helped define the teen movie genre of its era. By bringing the story to Broadway, the creators are tapping into the enduring popularity of nostalgic properties, and the current trend of adapting cinematic hits for the stage [1, 2].
While the exact timeline remains subject to confirmation, the collaboration between Jepsen's pop sensibilities and Dunham's writing style suggests a contemporary approach to the classic story [3, 6].
“Carly Rae Jepsen and Lena Dunham are collaborating on a Broadway musical adaptation”
The adaptation of a 1990s cult classic reflects a broader industry trend of leveraging nostalgia to secure Broadway ticket sales. By pairing a chart-topping pop artist with a known screenwriter, the production aims to attract a younger demographic that may not typically attend traditional theater, while simultaneously appealing to Millennials who grew up with the original film.
