HBO Max Turns Broadway Star’s Project Into ‘Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020’ Series
Actress Laura Benanti, Tony winner for “Gypsy,” used her shelter-at-home time to create #SunshineSongs, in which she offered to be an audience for high-school spring musicals canceled due to COVID-19.
The idea inspired HBO Max, which has greenlit “Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020” as a musical series.
The show will let kids sing and dance from the safety of their homes.
The streamer stated: “The cast, featuring a diverse group of super-talented student actors with compelling backstories, will play seniors from the same high school. While the pandemic may have shut down their school, the drama and romantic intrigue live on.”
Added Benanti: “Our school shows are more than just entertainment. At the very least, they bring our communities together to revel in the talent of our young artists. At their best, they are a life changing experience these kids will bring with them into the rest of their lives.”
The Broadway vet, who also starred in “Supergirl” and “The Good Wife,” shares executive producer duties with Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey and Tom Campbell for World of Wonder Productions.
Leland (Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) will write and produce the original songs and score.
Jennifer O’Connell, HBO Max’s executive vice president original non-fiction and kids programming, noted “Homeschool Musical” not only celebrated talent, but was a chance to “entertain many other families across the country sharing their experience.”
Photo credit: Jenny Anderson