Producer David Shor has announced he is developing Sleepless in Seattle-The Musical through his entity Sleepless in Seattle Management, LLC. Shor acquired the rights to produce a play based on the hit TriStar motion picture and has brought in his longtime partner Jeff Arch, who penned the film's original story and co-wrote the screenplay, sharing 1994 Oscar, BAFTA and WGA nominations with Nora Ephron and David Ward. Arch will write the book for the show.
The musical is currently in development, aiming for its first reading in May 2009 and an official opening in early 2010.
In addition to Arch, Shor has brought in an award-winning creative team including director Joel Zwick, composer/lyricist Leslie Bricusse and orchestrator/arranger Ian Fraser.
"We are thrilled to have finally secured the theatrical rights and are grateful to so many people, including Tom Hanks, for helping to facilitate the process," stated Shor, who is currently lining up financing for the show and, despite the current economy, has already received an option to finance up to 50% of the production budget.
Adds Shor, "This is a timeless romantic comedy that lends itself to stage production, and having one of the film's original writers involved - someone who has lived these characters for many years - will help us bring it to life in an authentic way." Shor confirms that Sleepless in Seattle-The Musical will remain pegged to 1993, reflecting the culture, fashions and music of the era. Eighteen songs have already been written for the musical, with more on the way.
The American Film Institute (AFI) lists Sleepless in Seattle among the Top 10 best romantic comedies of all time.
Joel Zwick directed My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time. Recent films include Fat Albert, with Bill Cosby, and Elvis Has Left the Building, starring John Corbett and Kim Basinger. Recognized as a prolific director of episodic television, Zwick has directed more than 525 episodes, including 21 pilots which have gone on to become regular series. His television credits include "Laverne & Shirley," "Mork & Mindy," "Bosom Buddies," "Full House," "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper," "Family Matters" and, most recently, "Two and a Half Men." In addition to directing the Broadway production of George Gershwin Alone at the Helen Hayes Theatre, his New York stage productions have included the Tony-nominated Dance With Me, Shenandoah, Oklahoma and Cold Storage, also directing off-Broadway and productions in Chicago, Las Vegas and London.
Jeff Arch was a high school English teacher and martial arts school owner when his spec script for Sleepless in Seattle sold in 1990. Nominated for two Oscars and two Golden Globes, the screenplay also received nominations from the Writers Guild and BAFTA, among others. Since then Arch has seen four other of his projects made, including the Disney favorite Iron Will and the Humanitas Prize nominee "Saving Milly" for CBS. In 2005 he wrote and directed the independent comedy Dave Barry's Complete Guide To Guys, and last year he completed his first novel, The Bell Tower, a boarding school story spanning twenty years in the lives of seven characters. In addition to Sleepless in Seattle-The Musical, Arch is also writing Colour My World for Broadway, based on songs from the rock band Chicago.
David Shor, founder and CEO of the Shor Group of Companies, has an extensive background in entertainment management, motion pictures, live theater, consulting and finance. He has served as producer/executive producer and managing partner of Labrador Pictures (motion pictures), production adviser/consultant for Delaware Pictures (motion pictures), executive producer of The Flying Cranes (cirque performers worldwide), producer for Goodman Productions (live events in Las Vegas), producer for TJ Productions (live events), and producer for Liberty Jam Corporation (concerts for Eric Clapton, Santana, The Eagles, etc.). While representing performers, writers, filmmakers and other entertainment professionals as a manager, Shor produced the recent comedy film Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys and is currently producing Ray Bradbury's Odyssey, We are Born, among other projects in various stages of development and production.
