'Crazy Rich Asians' Musical in the works

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is headed to the stage. It was announced today that a stage musical adaptation of the hit film is being developed by the film’s director, Jon M. Chu.

A press release describes “Crazy Rich Asians” as “a fun, engaging and hilarious look at what can happen when young love collides with old money.”

The story surrounds Rachel Chu, who is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend's wedding in Singapore. She's surprised to learn that Nick's family is extremely wealthy and he's considered one of the country's most eligible bachelors. Thrust into the spotlight, Rachel must now contend with jealous socialites, quirky relatives, and something far, far worse -- Nick's disapproving mother.

The 2019 film, starring Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh, topped the box office for three weeks and eventually grossed $239 million globally.

The musical adaptation will feature a book by Leah Nanako Winkler, music by Helen Park and lyrics by Amanda Green and Tat Tong. Additional details on its timeline for a pre-Broadway engagement will be announced shortly.
Winkler is a veteran writer whose plays include “God Said This,” “Two Mile Hollow,” “Kentucky,” “Hot Asian Doctor Husband” and “The Brightest Thing in the World.” “Crazy Rich Asians” would also mark her first Broadway credit.

Park is the composer, lyricist and arranger of the 2022 Broadway musical “KPOP,” for which she received a 2023 Tony nomination for Best Original Score. Her other songwriting credits include the 2017 Off-Broadway staging of “KPOP” as well as “Sesame Street the Musical.”

Tong is a record producer and songwriter who is a member of the production-writing duo The Swaggernautz with “American Idol” alum Jovany Javier. As a producer-songwriter, Tong’s discography includes artists like Luis Fonsi, Troye Sivan, Hailee Steinfeld and Monsta X.

Green is a twice-Tony-nominated songwriter for the music and lyrics of 2013’s “Hands on a Hardbody” and the lyrics to 2022’s “Mr. Saturday Night.” Her Broadway lyricist credits also include 2006’s “High Fidelity” and 2012’s “Bring It On.”