The Public Theater has announced a North American premiere of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” as part of the Off-Broadway theater’s 2026-2027 season. The previously reported musical will open the Public’s Newman Theater on Oct. 21 with previews beginning on October 8, for a run through Nov. 15.
“Benjamin Button” is based on a 1922 short story by “Great Gatsby” scribe F. Scott Fitzgerald. It centers on a man born with the physical appearance and capabilities of a 70-year-old man, then subsequently lives his entire life in reverse. The story was previously adapted into a 2008 film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Taraji P. Henson; it received 13 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The musical adaptation features a book by Jethro Compton, lyrics by Compton and Darren Clark, and music by Clark.
The “Benjamin Button” musical made its debut in an Off-West End production in 2019 at the Southwark Playhouse. It returned to the Southwark in an expanded production in 2023, transferring to the West End the following year. It won three Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical and Outstanding Musical Contribution for Compton and Clark. Compton, who directed the Off-West End and West End productions, will repeat his duties at the Public, with choreographer Chi-San Howard also returning from the West End.
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is being produced at the Public by special arrangement with Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions and Gary Beestone Associates.
