GILLIGAN'S ISLAND: THE MUSICAL Heading to B'Way?

Deadline.com reports that producer DiAnne Fraser has acquired the stage rights to GILLIGAN'S ISLAND: THE MUSICAL which she intends to bring to the Broadway stage. The show is based on the iconic 1960's TV series. 

The production is a family affair, with a book written by the TV show's creator, the late Sherwood Schwartz and his son, Lloyd, and a score composed by Schwartz's daughter Hope and her husband Laurence Juber. Schwartz was well known for creating the early 70's sitcom 'The Brady Bunch'. 

According to the report, the show has been tested in smaller regional theaters across the country. Audiences will recognize beloved characters Gilligan, the Skipper, The Howells, Ginger, Maryanne and the Professor who have been stranded on a deserted island after taking what was supposed to be a three hour boat tour. The musical's creators have added a new character to the mix, an alien.

Fraser, who last year produced the show 'Working' in Chicago, was asked by the Schwartz family to bring the show to Broadway in 2013 or 2014. She explained, “I’ve known the Schwartz family for many years, and for Sherwood, who died last July, it was his lifelong dream to take the show to New York. It’s not intentionally campy, it’s funny in a broad way and very true to the show. It’s amazing how even kids know about it because they’ve seen it on Nick at Night. It’s still Gilligan, the bumbling sidekick to the professor, saving the world. And yes, it’s all seven characters, plus an alien. The songs are very commercial.”

Tony-nominated general manager Tom Smedes is also on board for the project which is currently searching for a director. Says Fraser, “It’s the type of show where you can stunt cast with movie stars to play the Howells, Ginger, even the Professor. Maybe an American Idol contestant to play Gilligan, to open up the show.”