George Michael's life is reportedly being turned into a Broadway musical, with his sister Yioda Panayiotou holding secret talks with producers about the project. The production would include several of the late singer's hits, charting his rise to fame with Wham! and his successful solo career.
Early Development Stage
A source told The Sun: 'Over the years George's family have rejected countless big-money deals to turn his life into a biopic or stage show. But in recent months Yioda has warmed to the idea — especially with this year marking a decade since her brother's passing. As things stand it's all in the very early development stage but the plan is to tell the story of George's life and career with some of his hits mixed in.'
The production is reportedly being workshopped in New York with seven-time Olivier Award nominee Maria Friedman slated to direct. The hope is that the musical would replicate the success of other productions like Hamilton and move to London's West End.
George Michael's Legacy
George, whose real name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, died in 2016 at the age of 53 from suspected heart failure. Wham! — made up of George and Andrew Ridgeley — found fame with their debut album Fantastic in 1983. They sold more than 30 million records worldwide and produced hits such as Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Club Tropicana, and Last Christmas. The pair, who met at school in Hertfordshire, split amicably when George launched a solo career, selling over 100 million records. His final performance was in October 2012 at Earl's Court, London.
Andrew previously said that the singer's 'later years weren't his best' due to 'many contributing factors'. Speaking about coming to terms with the star's death, he told Radio Times: 'It's a great loss to me and to all his friends that we're unable to enjoy his company at this stage of life. His later years weren't his best, with many contributing factors, but, for me, even latterly, our get-togethers always had the same things as before. The pleasure we found in each other's company, and the amusement with which we regarded each other - that didn't change.'
