Sony will take on Broadway; first up: a musical ‘Tootsie’

Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced it has signed a five-year deal with Tony-winning Broadway producer Scott Sanders to adapt the studio’s films for the stage.

First up in the studio’s extensive catalog? The 1982 comedy “Tootsie,” which starred Dustin Hoffman in drag.

As part of the deal, Sony has purchased a 20% equity stake in the 5-year-old Scott Sanders Theatrical Productions, multiple news outlets have reported. A dollar amount was not disclosed.

Sanders’ prior screen-to-stage credits include “The Color Purple” and “The Pee-wee Herman Show.”

Sony’s move is the latest attempt to parlay Hollywood hits into stage musicals. This year, movies were the inspiration for the high-flying cheerleading comedy “Bring It On,” the holy-rolling musical “Leap of Faith” and the supernatural love story “Ghost.”

Disney pretty much started the trend by staging many of its on-screen hits, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Newsies” and “Mary Poppins,” which is running at the Music Center through Sept. 2.

The “Tootsie” musical is still in the early stages; no creative team as been announced.

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