‘Amelie’ to become stage musical with songs by Hem musician

“Amélie,� the whimsical 2001 French film starring Audrey Tautou, will become a stage musical with songs by composer Dan Messé, who has revealed the news on the Facebook page of his band, the Brooklyn-based Hem.

The musical, which has no dates attached, is being co-written with playwright Craig Lucas and co-lyricist Nathan Tysen. Messé recently wrote on Facebook: “So not the best kept secret, but still I’m happy to announce that I’ve been commissioned to adapt the film ‘Amélie’ for Broadway... Can’t wait to share it with you!�

“Amélie� -- whose full French title is “Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain� (“The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain�) -- tells the story of a sprightly young Parisian woman (Tautou) who becomes involved in the lives of her eccentric neighbors. The movie, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, was an international hit, receiving multiple honors at France’s César Awards as well as five Academy Award nominations.

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Messé has worked in the theater before, having collaborated with his Hem bandmates on the music for the Public Theater’s 2009 production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night� in Central Park.

In a recent interview with Paste Magazine, Messé said, “I’m not interested in doing Parisian music. I don’t think I’m even going to use accordion in my score.� He told the magazine he has to finish the first draft of the musical by Labor Day.

The production would be the latest in a growing line of film properties to be turned into stage musicals. Recent crossovers include such Tony Award winners “Kinky Boots,� “Billy Elliot� and “Once.�

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