Overview
Tim Minchin's “wee secret” is out of the bag. Yesterday, he confessed via blog that a stage production of Groundhog Day is in progress. Yes, Groundhog Day. As in the 1993 classic film written by Danny Rubin, directed by Harold Ramis and synonymous with actor Bill Murray, who plays a grumpy, self-centred weatherman doomed to live the same day over and over. And over.
With Minchin on board, it’s bound to be a musical affair. He’s conjuring up the songs and lyrics, Rubin is writing the book and Matthew Warchus is in the director’s chair. Rather than producing a carbon copy of the film, they’re going to do it their own way. “It would be impossible to try to translate the style and tone of the movie to stage," Minchin writes, "and even if it were possible, it wouldn't interest me."
We can expect a work that’s “both instantly recognisable and utterly different”. He’s planning on introducing elements of darkness and complexity whilst maintaining the film’s joy, comedy and romance. Five or so years ago, Stephen Sondheim was toying with Groundhog Day’s theatrical potential. He’s since shelved the idea but has expressed full support for Minchin et al’s ambition.
Minchin and Warchus have previously proven themselves as a winning team. Since 2010, their musical Matilda has sold out London’s West End and New York’s Broadway, picking up a Grammy nomination and Tony Awards along the way.