Award-winning drama Coda is set to become a stage musical.
The $10m-budgeted film, bought by Apple for $25m at 2021’s Sundance film festival, will be turned into a live production by the Tony award-winning company Deaf West Theatre. The non-profit is best known for acclaimed productions of Big River and Spring Awakening.
Coda tells the story of a 17-year-old girl, played by Emilia Jones, who is the only hearing member of a deaf family. She is determined to chase her dream of being a singer via a school choir club. The film, a remake of French drama La Famille Bélier, also stars Oscar winner Marlee Matlin and Troy Katsur, who could become the first deaf actor to win a best supporting actor Oscar this weekend.
DJ Kurs, the artistic director of Deaf West Theatre, called the stage production an opportunity “to bring the story full circle by bringing it back to members of the deaf community and by making the music accessible through our signed and sung live adaptation of the movie”.
Working with Vendôme and Pathé, the team are currently looking for stage directors and writers.
The news comes as many other films continue to be adapted to stage with upcoming productions including The Devil Wears Prada, Mr Saturday Night, Beaches, 13 Going on 30 and Magic Mike.
Coda has gathered steam during this season after winning the Screen Actors Guild award for best ensemble before winning big at both the Producers Guild and Writers Guild ceremony last weekend. It is currently seen as a strong contender to win best picture at Sunday’s ceremony, facing competition from The Power of the Dog and Belfast.
