Musical Version of Dances with Wolves Aims for Broadway

A musical version of Dances with Wolves is aiming for Broadway. The tuner will be based on Michael Blake’s 1986 bestselling novel, which served as the basis for the 1990 Oscar-winning film, directed by and starring Kevin Costner. Producer Matt Murphy has acquired the rights to the book and intends to adapt it for Broadway.

The novel tells the story of Civil War-era Lieutenant John Dunbar as he travels to the Native American Dakota territory and forms a close bond with the local Sioux tribe. As the U.S. army advances into the frontier, Dunbar must decide where his allegiances lie.

"Dances with Wolves will be a uniquely spectacular and dramatic new musical,” Murphy, a producer of the Broadway shows Thurgood, Impressionism and Memphis, said in a statement. “I envision a score that is inspired by Appalachian, folk, Civil War era, and Native American music, coupled with a production design that celebrates the spirit and ceremony of Native American culture amidst the awe-inspiring landscape of the American frontier. I am seeking a creative team who can make the epic story of Dances with Wolves sing for a new medium and a new generation of audiences."

In addition to Murphy’s Broadway producing credits, he served as a producer on the hit off-Broadway musical Altar Boyz. He is currently readying two new productions for youth theater tours beginning in May 2010: a musical adaptation of the beloved Berenstain Bears books and an original musical for “today’s texting, blogging and Facebooking generation” called Virtually Me.

No casting, creative team or further production details have been announced for Dances with Wolves.