‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ musical to hold world premiere in Pittsburgh
Point Park University, Lively McCabe Entertainment, and Primary Wave Music announced Thursday the world premiere of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” a new musical inspired by the 1985 cult-classic film.
The production will run from Nov. 11-22, 2026, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse’s PNC Theatre. The project marks a first-of-its-kind partnership between a professional theatrical development company and a university, embedding students directly into the professional creative process.
Based on the film originally starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt, the musical is adapted for the stage by M Dickson and Lauren Marcus. The story follows Janey Glenn, a disciplined dancer who rebels against her strict father to enter a televised dance competition after meeting her bold best friend, Lynne.
The production features a score of 1980s chart-toppers by artists including Whitney Houston, Huey Lewis and the News, and Culture Club, as well as songs from the original film such as “Dancing in Heaven.” The music is arranged and orchestrated by Broadway composer Georgia Stitt.
“This is a transformative experience for our students, one that places them inside the professional process from day one,” said Kiesha Lalama, interim dean of Point Park University’s School of Theatre, Film and Animation.
The development model includes a semester-long workshop where junior musical theatre students will collaborate with the professional creative team. Following the summer development phase, the show will move into its full world premiere production in the fall.
The musical is directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner, a longtime collaborator of Lively McCabe Entertainment. Following its Pittsburgh run, the show is expected to join Lively McCabe’s “Hits” Musicals Collection for future licensed productions via Music Theatre International.
“Bringing this iconic film from screen to stage is a thrilling and challenging puzzle,” said Allison Bressi, president of Lively McCabe Entertainment. “In this musical, dance is the main character, something that cannot be created while sitting behind music stands.”
Additional casting and creative team members will be announced at a later date. Tickets and performance schedules will be available through the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office.
