Geoffrey Rush to star in film version of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’

Geoffrey Rush will reprise his role in the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” for the big screen, according to news reports in Canada. The Oscar-winning actor, who has appeared in the hit stage musical in his native Australia, also is expected to serve as executive producer on the movie project.

Don McKellar, who co-wrote the book for the musical with Bob Martin, said he will adapt the the movie version. The Canadian actor-writer-director revealed plans for the movie during a recent press event leading up to the Toronto Film Festival.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” had its U.S. debut at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles in 2005 prior to opening on Broadway the following year. The musical, which tells the story of a recluse who obsesses over his Broadway cast albums, had been developed in Canada throughout the ‘90s.

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The musical was a box-office hit on Broadway, running for more than a year and spawning a national tour.

Rush will reprise his role as the shut-in protagonist, known in the show as “Man in Chair.” He played the role in 2010 in the Australian production of the musical at the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Filming for the movie version is expected to begin next year, according to reports. It’s the latest musical hit to be turned into a movie, following “Les Misérables” last year and the upcoming “Jersey Boys,” which will be directed by Clint Eastwood.

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