Adaptation Suggestions
Adaptation Suggestions
BillFinn
Broadway Star Joined: 10/26/03
#1Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/15/07 at 10:17pmHey, I need some help. I'm taking a playwriting class next semester, Adapation. So I need to pick out a book to adapt into a play. I was thinking "A Wrinkle in Time," but I think it's already been done. So then I was thinking "The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay," "How I Paid for College," or some essays by Augusten Burroughs. What do you guys think? Are there any amazing books you think I should take a look at? Thanks for your help in advance.
Bill Finn rocks. Woot.
#2re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/15/07 at 10:23pmYou can't do short stories? Is there a play of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson yet? I always thought that would be very dynamic onstage.
"I can't figure out what kind of life this is, comedy or tragedy, I just know it's showbiz. And what if I don't agree with the lines I have to read? They don't pay me enough, the way I see it."
#2re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/15/07 at 11:46pmI like the idea of a play of How I Paid for College but I think a short story would be better place to start for an adaptation. David Sedaris and Alice Munro have short stories that have plenty of information for an entire play.
#3re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 1:21amIs has to be a book? Because I know a few short screenplays that would could work great on stage.
"Writing is like prostitution. First, you do it for love, then you do it for a few friends, and finally you do it for money." ~ Moliere
#4re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 1:21amTriple score!
"Writing is like prostitution. First, you do it for love, then you do it for a few friends, and finally you do it for money." ~ Moliere
Updated On: 12/16/07 at 01:21 AM
#5re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 1:22amIs has to be a book? Because I know a few short screenplays that would could work great on stage.
"Writing is like prostitution. First, you do it for love, then you do it for a few friends, and finally you do it for money." ~ Moliere
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#6re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 3:28amI can't fathom How I Paid For College as a play. It's also a terrible book.
DG
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/05
#7re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 3:37am
Phyllis - Boobs is going to want to see you in the shed sooner than later 
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#8re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 3:39amOh, honey, I know I'm in the minority, but I just didn't get that book at all. It was like the guy took every fantasy of high school he could have had a put it in that book.
DG
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/05
#9re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 4:04am
Phyllis - I read it, chuckled, and couldn't tell you a thing about it. The only thing that comes to mind is stolen lawn ornaments (or something) - but I have no idea what it meant in terms of the book.
As to the thread topic. If gay themes are acceptable, I'd recommend looking at THE BROTHERS BISHOP, by Bart Yates. If you focus on the action that takes place over the couple of weeks at the Connecticut cottage (which is the heart of the plot,) I think you'ld have an interesting stage prestentation. Something along the lines of FIFTH OF JULY - but, admittedly, without the overall societal observations that it entailed.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#10re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 10:16amI think Kalalier & Clay is a bit broad in scope to fit on stage- how about his first book Mysteries of Pittsburg?
#11re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 10:19am
they are making a movie of that Joe. I love all of Chabon's work. His last novel was hialrious.
I also think K&C is being mad into a movie.
....but the world goes 'round
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
BillFinn
Broadway Star Joined: 10/26/03
#13re: Adaptation Suggestions
Posted: 12/16/07 at 11:59am
you're right; Kavalier and Clay is becoming a movie. How I Paid for College was bought for movie rights, but nothing's been done yet.
I wonder how "Where the Wild Things Are" would translate?
Bill Finn rocks. Woot.
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