Silver Linings Playbook Musical in Development

Producers are working on a stage adaptation featuring a score from the musical duo A Great Big World.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Variety

Bold vector editorial illustration of a pair of dance shoes on a stage floor, representing a new musical adaptation. — Producers have announced a new stage musical adaptation of Matthew Quick's 'Silver Linings Playbook,' featuring a score by A Great Big World. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Producers have officially announced that Matthew Quick's 2008 novel Silver Linings Playbook is being adapted into a stage musical. The production features a score written by A Great Big World, with direction by Jessica Stone and a book by Rick Elice.

Why it matters

The project represents a long-standing creative goal for the musical duo A Great Big World. It aims to bring the story of a Philadelphia man and a young widow connecting through dance to the theater stage.

The original 2012 film adaptation grossed over $200 million worldwide and earned eight Academy Award nominations. The songwriting team A Great Big World previously achieved a Grammy Award win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2015.

The players

A Great Big World

This musical duo consisting of Ian Axel and Chad King won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2015.

Jessica Stone

She serves as the director for the stage adaptation of the novel.

Rick Elice

He is the writer responsible for the book of the new musical production.

The details

The upcoming musical, currently managed by lead producers James D. Stern and Oren Michels with Tom Viertel as executive producer, will hold a private industry reading to further develop the material. The narrative follows the central pair as they navigate their lives in Philadelphia and form a bond through a dance competition.

Ian Axel and Chad King met at New York University in 2005.
Matthew Quick published the novel in 2008.
The film adaptation was released in 2012.
Producers announced the musical adaptation on October 20, 2026.
A private industry reading is scheduled for October 23, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The new stage production builds upon the cultural legacy established by the 2012 film adaptation of Silver Linings Playbook. The musical adaptation seeks to capitalize on the widespread success of the film, which remains a significant benchmark for the intellectual property.

As the production is in the early development phase, no public tickets or performance dates are available for theatergoers. Fans should monitor future announcements regarding casting and venue schedules to see when the musical might reach the stage.

The takeaway

The project signifies a major expansion of the Silver Linings Playbook franchise into musical theater. It serves as a reminder of how high-grossing films frequently inspire new artistic interpretations across different entertainment mediums.