Will Tootsie Come to Broadway? Musical Adaptation of Dustin Hoffman Movie in the Works

Broadway may embrace yet another cross-dressing comedy! Sony Pictures and Evita producer Scott Sanders are developing a musical based on the 1982 Oscar-nominated film Tootsie, according to The New York Times. The project is part of a five-year deal with Sony Pictures and Sanders, in which Sanders’ production company will develop and produce stage adaptations of the studio’s hit films. No timeline, casting or creative team has been announced for Tootsie.

Tootsie tells the story of actor Michael Dorsey, who can’t find work due to his poor reputation. To land a gig on the hot soap opera Southwest General, Dorsey dresses as a woman and creates a female persona he calls Dorothy Michaels. When Dorothy suddenly becomes an inspiration to women throughout the country, Dorsey finds himself in deep trouble. As America falls in love with the fictional Dorothy Michaels, Dorsey falls for his female co-star and Dorothy’s best friend, Julie Nichols. The film received 10 Oscar nominations including Best Picture and went on to become the second highest-grossing film of its release year. Directed by Sydney Pollack, Tootsie starred Dustin Hoffman as Dorsey/Dorothy in addition to Teri Garr, Bill Murray and Jessica Lange, who won the Oscar for playing Julie Nichols.

Scott Sanders Theatrical Productions will also produce the upcoming musical Houdini, starring Hugh Jackman. The company’s previous productions include the musical adaptation of the film The Color Purple, Elaine Stritch: At Liberty and the Broadway mounting of The Pee-Wee Herman Show.