Geoffrey Rush to Star in and Produce Drowsy Chaperone Film

The word has been around since 2011 that Geoffrey Rush would repeat his starring stage performance in The Drowsy Chaperone on film.

Now it has been confirmed.

It is reported by BroadwayWorld.com that Geoffrey Rush will not only recreate his acclaim MTC role as Man in Chair in the film adaptation of The Drowsy Chaperone, which is set to start shooting in 2014, he will also produce the film. The news was confirmed by Drowsy Chaperone book-writer and screenwriter Don McKellar.

Written by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, The Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone opened in 2006, playing 674 performances and 32 previews. It won five Tony awards including Best Book and Best Score, and seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical.

Geoffrey Rush starred as Man in Chair in the sell-out hit Melbourne Theatre Company production of the musical in 2010

Images of Geoffrey Rush and the MTC cast of The Drowsy Chaperone. Photographer: Jeff Busby.