Lonny Price is set to direct the previously announced musical adaptation of Sleepless In Seattle when the show makes its world premiere at California's Pasadena Playhouse in June 2013. The musical will feature a book by Jeff Arch, who co-wrote the film's screenplay with Nora Ephron. A new team of composers and lyricists will be announced shortly. No casting has been announced at this time.
Sleepless in Seattle follows Sam, a Seattle widower whose young son convinces him to discuss his grief on a radio talk show. Women from around the country are touched by his broadcast, including Annie, a Baltimore newspaper reporter, who writes to Sam and suggests they meet at the top of the Empire State Building.
A reading of the musical took place last year at Pasadena Playhouse featuring Broadway vet Brandi Burkhardt as Annie and Tony nominee Robert Torti as Sam, roles originated on screen by Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Directed by Joel Zwick, the reading also featured Marissa Jaret Winokur. The show, which then featured songs by Michelle Citrin, Michael Garin and Josh Nelson, was originally aiming to open this summer.
Price’s Broadway directing credits include 110 in the Shade, Sally Marr and Her Escorts, Urban Cowboy and A Class Act. His off-Broadway directing credits includes Kiki Baby, Visiting Mr. Green, Beautiful Girls, Grown Ups, Valley Song and Stopping Traffic.