Proving once again that the entertainment industry is loath to take a chance on something new when something passable already exists, the 1998 Drew Barrymore-as-Cinderella movie Ever After is set to become a Broadway musical. The play will make its New York debut for the 2013-14 season.
Ever After is, according to producers, "the story of Danielle de Barbarac, the daughter of a Nobleman in 16th Century France, who embarks on a series of adventures, standing up to her scheming stepmother, befriending Leonardo da Vinci and winning the love of the crown prince of France. This new musical sets the record straight on the fable of Cinderella, showing how a strong-willed, independent girl can make her dreams come true without the help of fairy godmothers, talking mice, or magic pumpkins." So, like Wicked, but with fewer witches.
The movie hit theaters in 1998 and grossed just under $100 million domestically, though it did earn Barrymore both the coveted Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for favorite movie star. It was also nominated for two Teen Choice Awards, including "breakout performance" for Dougray Scott, the film's romantic lead. Alas, he lost to James Van Der Beek, who rightfully claimed the award for his stirring, emotional performance in Varsity Blues.