“Mr. Holland’s Opus” Musical Moves Forward: BD Wong and Wayne Barker’s Adaptation Gets New Life

Drew & Dane Productions has officially taken the reins on developing the stage musical adaptation of “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” the acclaimed 1995 film that follows a school music teacher’s transformative impact on generations of students. The announcement, made on July 23, 2025, marks a significant step for the production, which first premiered at Maine’s Ogunquit Playhouse in 2022 after years of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and industry slowdowns .

The new musical features a book and lyrics by Tony Award winner BD Wong—an out gay artist recognized for his trailblazing work in theater and television—and music by Tony nominee Wayne Barker . Both creatives have emphasized that reviving “Mr. Holland’s Opus” for the stage is a timely reminder of the power of music, the centrality of mentorship, and the urgent need for the arts in education.

“Mr. Holland’s Opus” centers on Glenn Holland, a composer who becomes a high school music teacher, only to discover that his true legacy lies not in his personal compositions, but in the lives he touches through teaching. The narrative unfolds over four decades, chronicling shifts in societal attitudes, musical tastes, and the ongoing challenge of shrinking arts budgets . The themes of self-discovery, advocacy for marginalized voices, and the impact of dedicated educators are especially poignant for LGBTQ+ communities, where mentorship and visibility often shape the course of young lives.

In a joint statement, Wong and Barker said, “Our ‘Mr. Holland’s Opus’ is a musical comedy in which arts education and mentorship are front and center. We feel lucky to be working with Drew & Dane to revive one of the most moving movies ever, about a teacher and the many students he creatively inspires, at the precise moment we’re hungering for these themes.” .

Drew & Dane Productions, led by Drew Desky and Dane Levens, is known for its recent Broadway and Off-Broadway successes, including the “Just In Time” and the “Gypsy” revival starring Audra McDonald. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to diverse storytelling and inclusive representation, values that align with the core messages of “Mr. Holland’s Opus” .

Desky and Levens shared their excitement: “The original film is beloved by so many people, and we need this show now more than ever to remind us of the power of music, the remarkable importance of teachers and arts education, the value of mentorship and ‘paying it forward’, and the urgency of communicating beyond barriers” .

The development of “Mr. Holland’s Opus” comes during an era of renewed advocacy for arts education, as school districts across the United States face budget cuts and increasing scrutiny of arts programming . BD Wong’s involvement as an openly gay artist and seasoned activist has amplified the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility within the creative team. Wong’s previous work has often foregrounded issues of identity, inclusion, and the transformative power of storytelling.

While specifics on the casting and further creative development are yet to be announced, the production’s leadership has signaled an intent to reflect the diversity of contemporary classrooms, including LGBTQ+ students and educators. This is of particular significance given the musical’s subject matter and the ongoing national conversation about representation in the arts and in education .

Details about the timeline for workshops, additional creative team members, and future productions are expected to emerge in the coming months as Drew & Dane Productions collaborates closely with Wong, Barker, and rights holders. The creative team’s commitment to inclusive casting and authentic storytelling offers hope that the stage adaptation will not only honor the spirit of the original film but also expand its reach to new, diverse audiences—including LGBTQ+ youth and families who see their stories reflected in the arts.