‘The Polar Express’ has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, spawned a movie and innumerate steam train rides, and now it is coming to the stage as an arena-scale musical.
BAFTA-winning Will Brenton has worked closely with the original author Chris Van Allsburg and film producer Bill Teitler to bring ‘The Polar Express’ to life, and take the audience on an exciting, cathartic journey which becomes a joyous celebration of the power of belief and faith in positive outcomes.
Every child who believes in Santa reaches a point where they begin questioning if such a story can be true, and if not, where does that leave them? What is life like beyond the belief that Santa, Christmas and the power of good exists? As we grow older, why does leaving these beliefs behind become a necessary rite of passage to adulthood? Is there a way we can hold on to the belief without feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or childish?
The musical journey of this show will have a rich and varied score. The story requires large-scale, life-affirming numbers, alongside soul-searching songs that reach into the child’s mind’s eye. Yet beyond the child's perspective, the show delves into that part in all of us that needs ‘Christmas’ and yearns to carry that ‘magic’ with us through our adult life. Of course – there are also fantastic full-out dance numbers that take us on the ride of a lifetime as the train begins its quest.
‘The Polar Express’ is not simply a story about proving the existence of Santa Claus for children, but also an exploration into the danger of doubt, and the importance for us all as humans to be able to believe in possibility and the existence of something good. It is now an evergreen, as much a part of Christmas as ‘The Grinch’ or ‘A Christmas Carol’ and this adaptation will provide all the excitement and affirmation needed for a thrilling family show.
Meet the People
We are delighted to be developing 'The Polar Express' arena musical together with Chris Van Allsburg, the incredible author/illustrator of the original book, and Bil Teitler the fantastic producer of the movies. For Wish, this close collaboration ensures that not only are we creating a vision of the live event that has their full involvement and approval but that what we bring to our audiences will be entirely continuous with the original vision of the story as imagined by Chris when the book was first written.
Chris Van Allsburg
Author/Illustrator/Producer
Chris Van Allsburg, the best-selling author and illustrator, is the recipient of the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children’s literature. He is the winner of two Caldecott Medals, for Jumanji and The Polar Express, as well as the recipient of a Caldecott Honor Book for The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. He has written and illustrated 16 other books, including The Widow’s Broom, The Wreck Of The Zephyr, Mysteries Of Harris Burdick, The Sweetest Fig, Zathura and The Stranger. In 1982, Jumanji was nominated for a National Book Award and in 1995, it was made into a movie starring Robin Williams. The movie adaptation of The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks, was released in 2004. The movie based on his book, Zathura, was directed by Jon Favreau and released in November of 2005.
Bill Teitler
Producer
William Teitler has been Chris Van Allsburg’s long-time producing partner, starting with the original Jumanji movie starring Robin Williams, followed by The Polar Express starring Tom Hanks. Other film producing credits include Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, Bad Therapy, The Great Gilly Hopkins, Rob The Mob, What Maisie Knew, Zathura, Tuck Everlasting, How To Deal, The Hurricane, Looking For Richard, and Mr. Holland’s Opus. Teitler’s television producing credits include Taking Chance, Empire Falls, Tales From The Crypt, and Tales From The Darkside.