Variety reports that the Seattle Repertory Theatre have a new Grunge musical in the works about ‘a brilliant grunge musician and the rival who may have killed him.’ Music from Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Smashing Pumpkins could be featured due to Seattle Repertory Theatre’s deal with Sony BMG, though the rights holders will have to give final approval.
The writers of the songs will be counted among the authors of the theatrical production due to licensing reasons, since the lyrics are being used to tell the story. The creative team behind the musical are still figuring out what songs will be used.
Manage This Media’s Janet Billig Rich, the former manager of Nirvana who now works in music licensing (for shows including “Rock of Ages”), and BMG exec Elyse Cogan are both on board the brewing musical.
Wendy C. Goldberg, the artistic director of the O’Neill Theater Center’s National Playwrights Conference, conceived the project and will co-create with playwright Matt Schatz, who’ll write the musical’s book. Goldberg will direct.
The musical is set in the early 90’s during the peak of the Grunge era.
