Warner Bros’ 2006 animated film Happy Feet is being adapted into a stage musical set for Broadway, helmed by Tony-winning director Michael Arden. The production aims to bring the story of Mumble the dancing penguin to live theatre with a star-studded creative team.

Happy Feet, the beloved Academy Award-winning animated film directed by George Miller, will be revived for the stage, focusing on Mumble, a young penguin whose exceptional dancing sets him apart in a community that values singing. The original film featured a voice cast including Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, and Nicole Kidman.

The Broadway adaptation assembles an acclaimed creative team. Tony Award-winning producer Dori Berinstein leads production, with Michael Arden directing and Douglas Lyons writing the book. Choreographers Ayodele Casel, Lauren Yalango-Grant, and Christopher “Cree” Grant are also attached.

The design and musical teams boast an array of Tony Award winners: set designer Dane Laffrey, costume designer Susan Hilferty, and lighting designer Natasha Katz. Puppet design is by Basil Twist, with Kenny Seymour and Jackson Teeley handling musical arrangements and supervision.

Happy Feet is planned as a jukebox musical featuring the film’s soundtrack alongside chart-topping hits. Warner Bros Theatre Ventures oversees the project, with executive vice president Mark Kaufman as creative consultant and George Miller returning as a consulting producer.

Wagner Johnson Productions will handle general management, while Warner Bros continues to expand its theatre portfolio with adaptations of Crazy Rich Asians, Practical Magic, and current Broadway shows The Lost Boys and Dog Day Afternoon.

Dates and further production details for Happy Feet are yet to be announced, as the creative team finalises development. The project reflects ongoing interest in translating popular film properties into Broadway musicals.