The Queen’s Gambit went from the pages of Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel to the screens of millions of Netflix users when its series adaptation premiered in 2020 — and now it’s heading to Broadway. The musical adaptation of the period drama will be driven by music and lyrics from singer and songwriter Mitski.
“Before Level Forward even brought the idea of making a musical of The Queen’s Gambit, I was a fan of the Netflix show, and an even greater fan of the original novel. So I was already determined to be a member of this team,” Mitski shared in a statement.
The Queen’s Gambit Broadway show will be crafted from the book of the musical helmed by Eboni Booth and will be directed by Whitney White. In her statement, Mitski explained that her “determination grew tenfold” after meeting Booth and White, adding: “I absolutely had to be a part of this! I am ecstatic to get to work with all of these amazing creatives, who’ve each built beautiful and unique repertoires of their own.”
The series adaptation of the novel featured an original score from Carlos Rafael Rivera, who used variations of orchestral music to mirror the changing life of Beth Harmon, portrayed in the show by Anya Taylor-Joy. The series spotlighted music from the Vogues, Quincy Jones, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, the Monkees, and more across its seven episodes.
In September, Mitski released her seventh studio album, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We. The record molded the singer’s idiosyncratic tone around sounds of orchestral pop, Americana, folk, and country, using it as a vehicle for her lyrical storytelling.
“The Queen’s Gambit is a wholly original story about yearning for connection and finding your way in life, no matter the barriers,” Booth shared in a statement. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to explore this world in the company of such extraordinary artists. Musicals are one of my first loves, and I feel so lucky to be tasked with the challenge of bringing Beth Harmon’s haunting and inspiring journey to the stage.”
White added: “Everyone has desires, hopes, aspirations, and ideas about who they are and what they can offer the world. The Queen’s Gambit takes us into a story of a brilliant young woman on the hunt for all these things. It is a story that feels like mine and I’m excited to be a part of this exceptional team creating it anew for the stage.”