Sheldon Epps, artistic director of The Pasadena Playhouse, said, "Along with our producing partners, all of us at The Playhouse continue to be enormously excited about the long term potential for this new musical, both here at our theatre and beyond. Our belief in that, and our desire to 'get it right' led us to the wise decision to give this project additional time for further creative development. We strongly believe that this will serve all involved, including most importantly our audiences. I look forward to having the show on our stage as a part of the 2012-13 season and feel confident that it will be a celebratory inclusion to our new theatrical year."
"Developing a new musical is very intricate, and developing a show based on a movie as iconic as 'Sleepless in Seattle' is something we don't take lightly," said producer David Shor, in a statement. "I feel that it is essential not to rush this progression so that the show that is ultimately seen on stage is something we all can be proud of. I look forward to having the show be part of The Pasadena Playhouse's 2012-2013 season."
The musical has a book by Jeff Arch, Shor's longtime business partner, who wrote the film's original story and co-wrote the screenplay, sharing 1994 Oscar, BAFTA and WGA nominations with Nora Ephron and David Ward.
The postponement announcement did not mention the names of the developing project's previously announced songwriters — Michelle Citrin, Michael Garin and Josh Nelson, who shared music and lyric credit. Playbill learned that the trio is no longer attached to the show, and the producers are seeking new songwriters.
The show was originally announced to run June 12-July 15. A production replacing the summer show will be announced. The American Film Institute (AFI) lists "Sleepless in Seattle" among the Top 10 Best Romantic Comedies of all time and the film grossed over $227 million dollars worldwide. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, four MTV Movie Awards, one Writers Guild of America Award, and won an American Comedy Award and a Casting Society of America Award.
"Sleepless in Seattle" draws inspiration from the 1957 film "An Affair to Remember" starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.
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