Steven Spielberg may be trading Hollywood sets for Broadway stages, as sources suggest the Oscar-winning director is in talks to direct his first-ever stage musical.
The production, reportedly slated for New York's Public Theater, is said to be a new musical penned by playwright Tony Kushner and composer Jeanine Tesori.
This collaboration brings together a formidable creative team. Kushner, known for his work on "Angels in America," has previously collaborated with Spielberg on films such as "Munich," "Lincoln," "West Side Story," and "The Fabelmans." Kushner and Tesori, the composer behind "Kimberly Akimbo," previously worked together on the 2003 musical "Caroline, Or Change," with Tesori also serving as vocal producer on Spielberg's "West Side Story."
Details about the new musical are scarce. However, it is intended to coincide with the final season of the Public Theater's artistic director Oskar Eustis, who is set to depart in 2027-2028 after 21 years. Eustis has overseen numerous successful productions that transferred to Broadway, including "Hamilton" and "Hell's Kitchen."
The potential move to theater directing by Spielberg follows a trend of filmmakers venturing onto the stage. Quentin Tarantino is also set to make his theater directing debut with a new play in London. Spielberg, who recently relocated with his wife to Manhattan, has shown a fondness for musicals throughout his career, notably with his film adaptation of "West Side Story."