James Taylor Stage Musical In Development With Playwright Tracy Letts And Director David Cromer

A new stage musical using the songs of James Taylor is in early development, with August: Osage County playwright Tracy Letts penning an original story and direction by Good Night, and Good Luck director David Cromer.

Titled Fire & Rain after Taylor’s signature 1970 song, the production is produced by Gail Berman, Sam Feldman, Michael Gorfaine and Jimmy Nederlander, in association with Frank Marshall and Jere Harris. General Management by Bespoke Theatricals.

No word on details regarding Letts’ original story. Today’s announcement merely praises Taylor’s work, calling his legacy “one of profound influence on American music, particularly in the genres of folk, pop, and singer-songwriter traditions. His career spans over five decades, and his impact can be felt in both the personal nature of his songs and his stylistic innovations. His deeply personal, introspective lyrics and soulful delivery helped define the era’s musical landscape.”

The announcement also notes that the title song “helped solidify James Taylor’s career and introduce him to a wider audience. The song’s vulnerability and honesty made it resonate with listeners and became one of the defining songs of his career.”

In addition to 2007’s August: Osage CountyLetts’ stage credits include Bug (1996), Killer Joe (1993), Superior Donuts (2008), and The Minutes (2022).

Cromer has directed two of Letts’ plays – Bug in 2020 and Man from Nebraska in 2017. Broadway credits include The Band’s Visit (2018), and is directing two Broadway shows this spring: new musical Dead Outlaw and the play Good Night, and Good Luck starring George Clooney.