Wax on, greasepaint on... Just when you thought there were no movies left to turn into stage musicals, along comes another. The Karate Kid now has its eyes on New York's Broadway, with the 1984 original's screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen writing the book.
Kamen will work alongside Drew Gasparini, who is writing the music and lyrics, while Japanese director Amon Miyamoto will oversee the production. The story of young Daniel LaRusso as he deals with bullies, first romance and learning the ways of karate from Mr. Miyagi.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think this little movie would reach across generations the way it has," Kamen says in a statement carried by Deadline. "And beyond my wildest dreams did I think what started out as a love letter to my devotion to Okinawan Karate and the man who taught me would become a full-blown Broadway musical. But here it is. Here I am. And here is hoping that what comes to the stage brings the same joy and relevance The Karate Kid has brought to countless kids and their parents for the past 35 years."
"Many people love Broadway musicals for 'escape' – but I love them because they provide insight into how we should live our lives," adds Miyamoto. "I was inspired to do a stage adaptation of The Karate Kid because it tells a story we need in this on-going 'Age of Division' as our society becomes increasingly globalized. The sweet contradiction of The Karate Kid is that the real nature of karate is, as the show says, 'not for attack.' Not to hurt, not to win, but to let opposing energies play out and come in grace to a conclusion that allows dignity and respect for all."
Keone and Mari Madrid are working on choreography for the show, and if there's not a "sweep the leg" dance number, audiences may riot.