Rent and "Glee" Producers Option Young Adult Novel "This Song Will Save Your Life" For Stage and Screen | Playbill

News Rent and "Glee" Producers Option Young Adult Novel "This Song Will Save Your Life" For Stage and Screen Leila Sales' critically acclaimed young adult novel "This Song Will Save Your Life," the story of a girl's rise from social outcast to DJ sensation, has been optioned for stage and film.

The book was optioned by Tony Award winner Kevin McCollum (Avenue Q, Rent) and Emmy Award nominee Michael Novick ("Glee"). Both are producers of stage and screen entertainment that also explore the life of social outcasts.

"Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski's strong suit," press notes state. "Throughout her life, she's been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up on everything. Just when she's at her lowest moment, Elise's whole world is turned upside down: she discovers an underground nightclub, indie rock, and a band of misfits that prove that there's a place for everyone, even if it's somewhere you'd never have expected. Told in a refreshingly genuine and laugh-out-loud funny voice, 'This Song Will Save Your Life' is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together."

"I've always been most attracted to completely original stories that illustrate the human condition and the way in which we create our own families," McCollum said in a statement. "We were drawn to Leila's beautiful and inspiring story because we thought the journey of the main character was compelling, and the way she weaves her story and the songs together is unique — a story tailor-made for both the stage and the screen."

"I've been blown away by teen readers' responses to 'This Song Will Save Your Life,'" Sales added. "I think all authors want to know that their words are making the world a little bit better for someone out there. I'm thrilled that this story may be shared with an even wider audience. Like most music lovers, I am such a fan of Kevin and Michael’s work, so it's an honor to have this project with them. I can't wait to see how they interpret this story. I bet it's going to be very rock 'n' roll — just how Elise would want it!”

"This Song Will Save Your Life" is published by Farar, Straus and Giroux Books or Young Readers. Visit leilasales.com for more information.

 
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