‘The Queen’s Gambit’ to be adapted for stage musical

The Broadway musical will be inspired by the hit Netflix series.

Checkmate! The Queen's Gambit will be adapted into a stage musical with plans to premiere on Broadway, it has been announced. Based on Walter Tevis' novel of the same name, The Queen's Gambit television series recently premiered on Netflix, becoming one of the most-watched Netflix series of all time.

The Queen's Gambit tells of Beth Harmon, who struggles in an orphanage until she discovers chess. Thinking clearer and focusing on herself, Harmon works at her game until she can defeat any opponent. Adopted as a teenager, she begins to compete in local events, stunning the competition. Competing in the US Open at just 16, she seems to have it all. But, can she move all her pawns into an optimum life? Or will she be taken out by the King?

The Queen's Gambit is being adapted for stage by Level Forward. Announcing the news, Adrienne Becker and Julia Dunetz: "It is a privilege for Level Forward to lead the charge of bringing The Queen's Gambit to the stage through the beloved and enduring craft of musical theater.

Told through a brave and fresh point of view, audiences are already sharing in the friendship and fortitude of the story's inspiring women who energize and sustain Beth Harmon's journey and ultimate triumph. The story is a siren call amidst our contemporary struggles for gender and racial equity, and we're looking forward to moving the project forward."

In the television adaptation, Anya Taylor-Joy plays Beth Harmon, who has won Critics' Choice and Golden Globe Awards for her performance. The stage adaptation of The Queen's Gambit is unrelated to the Netflix series.

Casting for The Queen's Gambit on stage is to be announced at a later date, as well as a Broadway venue and performance schedule.

^{Photo credit: Anya Taylor-Joy in The Queen's Gambit (Photo by Phil Bray, courtesy of Netflix)}