Clueless springs to life in Amy Heckerling's theatrical adaptation

In March 2025, a new musical adaptation of the beloved 1995 cult classic film Clueless opened at the Trafalgar Theatre in London. This adaptation marks a significant milestone as it is the last of the major American high school comedies, including Heathers, Legally Blonde, and Mean Girls, to transition into a stage production. The original film's creator, Amy Heckerling, was at the helm of this revival, bringing her signature humor and wit to the stage while crafting a storyline that remains close to the original film's narrative. The stage version has received mixed reviews; while it captures the essence of the original movie with its nostalgic elements, some critics argue that it lacks the catchy musical numbers and memorable dance routines that have contributed to the success of other musical adaptations. KT Tunstall composed the music, while Glenn Slater provided the lyrics, with the collaborative effort ultimately creating a production that met the initial challenges posed by the adaptation process. In the first act, the musical closely follows the events of the film, reintroducing audiences to characters like Cher and Dionne as well as memorable quotes and scenes that fans adore. As the musical progresses, small changes begin to appear, showcasing characters developing in ways not seen in the film. The second act manages to break away from the mere retelling of the cinematic script, offering depth and emotional resonance, particularly through an enhanced portrayal of Cher’s journey and her realization about self-worth. The designers paid homage to the aesthetic of 1995 Beverly Hills, creating lavish sets and costumes that showcased the era's fashion trends. The production ultimately strives to stand on its own rather than be seen as a cynical copy of the original film, with the hope that it provides a fresh, yet familiar experience for both new audiences and die-hard fans of Clueless alike.