Paul McCartney is Writing an “It’s a Wonderful Life” Musical

Sir Paul McCartney in concert at the American Airlines Arena in 2017.
Sir Paul McCartney in concert at the American Airlines Arena in 2017. Photo by Larry Marano/REX/Shutterstock (8923645q)

The former Beatle is heading to Broadway!

According to multiple outlets, Paul McCartney has been working with writer Lee Hall (Billy Elliot) and British producer Bill Kenwright, on a song score for a stage musical adaptation of It’s A Wonderful Life

Apparently, this collaboration has been going on for quite some time with the former Beatle being approached over three years ago by Kenwright, who acquired the rights to the 1946 Frank Capra film classic. 

“Like many of these things, this all started with an email,” McCartney said. “Bill had asked if it was something I might be up for. Writing a musical is not something that had ever really appealed to me, but Bill and I met up with Lee Hall and had a chat and I found myself thinking this could be interesting and fun.”

“It has absolutely everything: comedy, pathos and a rare humanity which has touched generation after generation,” said Hall. “Yet it just couldn’t be more relevant. To give it a life on the stage is an immense privilege, but to do it with Paul McCartney is off the scale. Paul’s wit, emotional honesty and melodic brilliance brings a whole new depth and breadth to the classic tale. I feel as if an angel must be looking after me.”

Production is set to launch in late 2020 in the UK before heading to Broadway.