Inspired by the music and lyrics of young writer/composer Stuart Brayson, Rice is also joined by Bill Oakes, who is writing the book of the musical. The original novel, which tells a story of passion and honour, which takes place on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, in 1941, shortly before and during the Pearl Harbor attack of Dec. 7, is loosely based on Jones' experiences in the pre-World War II Hawaiian Division’s 27th Infantry and the unit in which he served. The 1953 film (directed by Fred Zinneman and starring Burt Lancaster, Frank Sinatra and Montgomery Clift) and subsequent TV mini-series were adapted from the novel. It has recently been announced that the novel will be re-released with previously unpublished material included.

The production will be directed by Tamara Harvey, currently an associate director at the Bush Theatre. Her recent work includes the Menier Chocolate Factory production of Smash, the touring production of Tell Me On A Sunday, Dancing at Lughnasa at Birmingham Rep Theatre, Plague Over England at the Duchess Theatre, bash at the Trafalgar Studios and The Contingency Plan and tHe dYsFUnCKshOnalZ! at the Bush.

Dates, venue and casting are still to be announced.