The film The Artist, directed by Michel Hazavanicius, will soon be adapted for the theater by Andrew McOnie and Lindsey Ferrentino.
A film that broke all records
The film tells the story of George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), silent film star of the late 20s. He falls under the spell of budding actress Peggy Miller (Bérénice Béjo), and helps her get her first chance at Kinograph studios. The studios decide to follow the talkies movement, but Valentin refuses this ridiculous idea. Peggy, she joins the adventure and her popularity grows while George's career deteriorates.
When it was released in cinemas in 2011, Michel Hazavanicius' film caused a real tidal wave in Hollywood. Who would have thought that a black and white silent film would win more than 80 awards around the world? The Artist notably offers Jean Dujardin the Oscar for Best Actor.
The last scene of the film particularly marked the spirits. It represents a great tap number (choreographed by Fabien Ruiz) and pays homage to the musical films of Hollywood's golden age.
Drew McOnie at the controls of this adaptation
We know Drew McOnie for his work on In the Heights (Kings Cross Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regents Park Open Air) and King Kong (Broadway). It was with playwright Lindsey Ferrentino that he adapted the show for the stage.
The artistic director of the McONIE dance company said in a press release:
Having the support of Michel Hazanavicius, the mastermind of the film, is incredibly important to me. The Artist shows us that, even in this noisy world, we can find our voice if we listen with our hearts, and it's an honor to bring this beloved story to the stage.”
The creation will take place at the beginning of 2023 within the McONIE Company. We can applaud the adaptation of the film The Artist at the theater in 2023. Theaters and performance dates will be announced soon!