Thelma & Louise returns as new London musical

More than three decades after “Thelma & Louise” became a cult classic, a stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film is premiering in London, with screenwriter Callie Khouri saying the issues explored in the original remain unresolved, Reuters reported.

The 1991 film, which earned Khouri an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, follows two women who become fugitives while exploring themes including gender-based violence and the power of friendship, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

“To people who have told me over the years, ‘The movie changed everything,’ I’ve said, ‘Not enough,’” Khouri told Reuters. “Things haven’t improved that much in terms of the issues the film addresses.”

Khouri said she rejected offers to make a sequel for years because she considers the original film a self-contained work and regards the performances of Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as “singular and definitive.”

She changed her mind when producer Scott Delman proposed a musical version and her husband suggested singer-songwriter Neko Case to compose the music.

“As soon as I heard her name, I wanted to explore it further,” Khouri said.

For Case, making her musical theater debut with a story whose themes continue to resonate was a major attraction.

“I know the world still needs this. And now even more,” the American singer-songwriter told Reuters.

Director Trip Cullman described the production as “a musical for people who don’t like musicals,” saying its sound is closer to rock music than traditional musical theater.

Cullman was also drawn to the story’s continued relevance.

“These two characters are as important and relevant in our cultural lexicon as King Lear,” he said. “I truly believe they are the mythological heroines of our time.”

Reflecting on the film’s legacy, Khouri said she was grateful to the many women who have told her that “Thelma & Louise” changed their lives.

“That’s the ultimate achievement you can hope for with a work of art — that it leaves a profound mark on the person who sees it,” she said. “I’m simply happy when people like it.”

“Thelma & Louise: A New Musical,” starring Amy Lennox as Thelma and Rachel Tucker as Louise, is running at London’s Young Vic Theatre through October 24.

Photo: Chat GPT