James Taylor‘s hits are inspiring a new stage musical called “Fire and Rain.” The singer and songwriter has lined up some major talent in the effort. Tracy Letts, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “August: Osage County” and “The Minutes,” came up with an original story for the show, while Tony winner David Cromer, whose credits include “The Band’s Visit,” is lined up to direct the production.
Taylor is the latest in a long line of artists to get the stage treatment. Recent examples include “MJ: The Musical,” which looked at Michael Jackson’s life and work, “Ain’t Too Proud,” which explored the catalog of the Temptations, and “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” All of them had Broadway runs of various lengths, with “MJ” still attracting crowds three years after it opened.
Taylor certainly has a long list of classic songs to draw on, including “Carolina in My Mind,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Mexico” and the title song “Fire and Rain.” He’s also known for his covers of other artists’ work, including Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend” and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You).”
“Fire and Rain” is described as being in early development. Producers on the project include Gail Berman, Sam Feldman, Michael Gorfaine and Jimmy Nederlander, who are working on the show in association with Frank Marshall and Jere Harris. General management will be overseen by Bespoke Theatricals.
Letts and Cromer previously worked together on “Bug” and “Man From Nebraska.” Cromer is currently represented this season with the new musical “Dead Outlaw” and the play “Good Night, and Good Luck,” a hot ticket because George Clooney is making his Broadway debut.
