Fox’s lighting department is gonna have to invest in some leg lamps: the broadcaster has set “A Christmas Story” as its next live musical. The three-hour television event will air this December.
The over-the-air network and Warner Horizon Unscripted Television have partnered with Marc Platt (“Grease: Live”) to adapt the 1983 holiday movie of the same name, which also inspired a Tony Award-nominated Broadway production.
“A Christmas Story: The Musical” stage scorers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul will compose several new songs for the small-screen production, with Jonathan Tolins and Robert Cary (also of “Grease: Live”) adapting the book.
“‘A Christmas Story’ is one of the most beloved holiday films of all time — audiences have made a yearly ritual of re-watching it — and we are so thrilled to have Marc leading the charge in bringing the musical version of that film to television,” David Madden, president of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, said in a statement. “The extraordinarily gifted Pasek and Paul were instrumental in transposing the movie to the stage, and we believe the transition to live television event will be just as entertaining for viewers.”
“I can’t believe how incredibly lucky we are to have Marc Platt producing this iconic Christmas classic,” added Mike Darnell, president, Warner Bros. Unscripted & Alternative Television. “Marc is the defining voice in this genre and it’s amazing to have this caliber of talent leading what is sure to be a new standard in live musical events.”
“A Christmas Story” will be produced by Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Platt and Adam Siegel will executive-produce, with Tolins and Cary serving as co-executive producers and writers.