The musical adaptation of the 1999 cult classic film 10 Things I Hate About You will officially begin Broadway performances on August 17, 2027, according to announcements made by its creative team. Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, the production features music and lyrics by Carly Rae Jepsen and Ethan Gruska, with a book by Lena Dunham and Jessica Huang.
Here is the kicker for theater fans tracking the 2027-2028 Broadway slate: this adaptation bypasses the traditional out-of-town tryout model entirely. Instead, producers Mike Bosner and Buena Vista Theatrical are opting for a public presentation in New York ahead of its official Broadway curtain rise.
The Bottom Line
- The Premiere Date: Performances begin August 17, 2027, locking the show into the 2027-2028 Broadway season.
- The Creative Heavyweights: Lena Dunham makes her Broadway debut alongside Carly Rae Jepsen, with Christopher Wheeldon directing.
- The Source Material: The production reimagines the 1999 Touchstone film starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, which loosely adapted Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
Decoding the Creative DNA Behind Padua High’s Return
Lena Dunham brings her sharp ear for dialogue—honed across her television and literary work—into her first theatrical book writing gig.
Director Christopher Wheeldon brings considerable theatrical muscle to the project. Known for his work on MJ and An American in Paris, Wheeldon’s background in dance and narrative choreography suggests that the musical numbers will lean heavily on movement.
Production Roadmap and Industry Strategy
| Production Element | Details & Key Personnel |
|---|---|
| Music & Lyrics | Carly Rae Jepsen and Ethan Gruska |
| Book | Lena Dunham and Jessica Huang |
| Direction & Choreography | Christopher Wheeldon |
| Production Team | Mike Bosner in partnership with Buena Vista Theatrical |
| Target Window | Broadway performances begin August 17, 2027 (2027-2028 Season) |
The Legacy of Padua High in the Streaming Era
The film’s enduring cultural footprint remains remarkably stable. As Julia Stiles noted in interviews regarding the film’s ongoing legacy, audiences continue to recognize her primarily for her portrayal of Kat Stratford, whose sharp-tongued rejection of high school conformity struck a permanent nerve.
As the countdown to August 2027 ticks away, all eyes turn to the inevitable casting announcements and the reveal of the home theater. Drop your thoughts in the comments below on who you want to see cast as Kat and Patrick.
