AUDIO: Producer Kevin McCollum Asked If DIARY OF A WIMPY KID Is Headed To Broadway

After an enthusiastic reception and brisk box office business following its April 15th opening, Minneapolis' Children's Theatre Company's premiere production of the new musical based on Jeff Kinney's graphic novel series DIARY OF A WIMPY KID will end its run this Sunday, June 12th.

With a score by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler (HOW CAN YOU RUN WITH A SHELL ON YOUR BACK?) and a book by Kevin Del Aquila (ALTAR BOYZ), the Children's Theatre Company mounting is in conjunction with Fox Stage Productions and Broadway producer Kevin McCollum, whose credits include SOMETHING ROTTEN!, HAND TO GOD, IN THE HEIGHTS, AVENUE Q and RENT.

Click the photo below for MPR News' audio interview with McCollum, who discusses the facts and factors that help producers decide if a project is ready for Broadway or if further work is needed.

Staged as a non-stop, tour-de-force romp by Chicago-based director Rachel Rockwell, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID stars Ricky Falbo as the preteen title character Greg Heffley, who wants to stand out in middle school instead of simply being stuck in the middle. In his quest for status, he behaves badly, betraying his best friend and lying on a classmate, among other things, before eventually learning important lessons about himself and his friends.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID is believed to be the biggest, most complicated production in the theater's 50-year history. The musical has over 50 scenes and a set that is in constant motion, giving the show the feel of a live-action film.

Visit childrenstheatre.org.

Photos: Dan Norman