The Tony Award-nominated production company Drew and Dane Productions have announced that it will lead the development of the musical adaptation of “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” Based on the 1995 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film written by Patrick Sheane Duncan, “Mr. Holland’s Opus” has a book and lyrics by Tony winner BD Wong and music by Tony nominee Wayne Barker.
“Mr. Holland’s Opus” follows high school music teacher Glenn Holland over four decades as he balances his passion for composing his own music while managing changes within the school system and within his family. The musical was originally commissioned by Ogunquit Playhouse, under the leadership of executive artistic director Bradford Kenney, in 2017. The Maine venue presented the musical’s world premiere in 2022, directed by Wong.
Drew and Dane Productions is headed by Drew Desky, Dane Levens and Clayton Howe. The production company is currently represented on the Main Stem on the producing teams of the Jonathan Groff-starrer “Just in Time” and the Audra McDonald-led revival of “Gypsy.” The latter garnered the organization a Best Revival of Musical Tony nomination. Off-Broadway, Drew and Dane Productions is a co-producer on the currently running “Little Shop of Horrors” and also produced “Dracula, A Comedy of Errors” in 2023.
Wong won a featured actor Tony for his turn in 1988’s “M. Butterfly,” and also appeared in Main Stem revivals of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Pacific Overtures.” As a writer and director, Wong co-wrote (with Robert Lee) and directed “Alice Chan,” which played at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse.
Barker received a Best Original Score Tony nomination for composing the music for 2012’s “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Barker also performed for six years with Dame Edna Everage, including in the 2004 Broadway production of “Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance,” for which he also provided music, lyrics and musical arrangements.
“Our ‘Mr. Holland’s Opus’ is a musical comedy in which arts education and mentorship are front and center,” added Wong and Barker. “We feel lucky to be working with Drew and Dane to revive one of the most moving movies ever, about a teacher and the many students he creatively inspires, at the precise moment we’re hungering for these themes.”
“Anyone who works on Broadway or who simply buys Broadway tickets understands that arts education is a fundamental foundation of civilization,” they continued. “In this singular time, we’re proud to bring this show to the generation we’re all fighting for, keeping this vital conversation alive by reminding us of that crucial time in our childhood when we were forever changed by both the arts and teachers.”
The producing team is in the process of scheduling table readings and workshops; dates have not yet been announced.
