Hugh Hefner Musical Heading to the Stage?

Could Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner be the next public figure to be immortalized in a musical? Theatre buzz has surfaced suggesting just that.

A casting annoucement was posted in Backstage and at Actor's Equity last week seeking performers for a musical entitled, "HEF." The title "HEF" is synonymous with Hugh Hefner himself, a figure of innovation, revolution, and influence.

The casting call reveals little regarding the plot or the other characters, but with Mr. Hefner's history of breaking barriers and changing the landscape of the sexual revolution, it can only be assumed that the musical in question will be a tour de force of its own. Keep checking back with BroadwayWorld as we learn more information about casting and venue!

Various rumors throughout the theatre industry suggest that this is not the first time the idea of a Hugh Hefner musical has come up, with agencies approached by Hefer and/or Playboy to produce such a piece, with nothing actually presented to date. According to the listing, the Equity Showcase set for August will be presented by Colin James Productions, LLC.

The posting calls for casting oppoturnities for both a "Hef" and a "Bobbie," with a setting of 1950's-1970's Chicago. One can only assume that the subject of the musical in question revolves around the infamous Hugh Hefner, his start with "Playboy," and his relationship with Bobbie Arnstein, his executive assistant who committed suicide in 1975. Arnstein's death was seen as a turning point for both Hugh and the magazine.

According to the casting notice, "HEF" is written by Justin S. Fischer (Music/Lyrics), Bethany Christine Elkin (Book), and Jamie Donegan (Book), with Elkin directing and choreographing, and Roger Ellis (Associate Director/Choreographer).

Hugh Hefner, 89, was born April 9, 1926 in Chicago Illinois. The first issue of "Playboy" was released in December 1953, featuring Marilyn Monroe. Hefner, a political activist and philanthropist, currently resides at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles CA.

For more information, visit colinjamesproductions.co