Monday's announcement that "Animal House," the 1978 National Lampoon gross-out comedy that starred John Belushi, is being turned into a stage musical only furthers the view that the movies are among Broadway's biggest sources of inspiration.
The film was released by Universal Pictures, whose theatrical arm is doing this adaptation. (Universal also is behind "Billy Elliott" and "Wicked" on Broadway.)
Tony-winning "Mormon" director Casey Nicholaw has been brought on board to direct and choreograph "Animal House." Canadian alternative rock band Bare Naked Ladies have been tapped as composers.
The creative team also includes playwright Michael Mitnick, who will adapt a screenplay that pits a good-guy fraternity against some wild party animals.
No word yet on who will play any of the roles, including Bluto, the potato-sputterer that Belushi made so memorable.
