'Brokeback Mountain' Heads to London's West End in Fresh Stage Adaptation

Classic queer western "Brokeback Mountain" is headed to London's West End with a new script and star power in the form of Lucas Hedges ("Ladybird") and Mike Faist (Broadway's "Dear Evan Hansen") as tragic lovers Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist.

Variety reported that the new stage version will feature songs written by Dan Gillespie Sells, while Ashley Robinson handles the script, which – like the screenplay for the 2005 film, by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana – is based on the original short story by Annie Proulx. Where Ang Lee helmed the film version, Jonathan Butterell has taken on the stage play's direction.

"Burns, Butterell and Sells previously collaborated on hit musical 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie,'" Variety noted.

"'Brokeback Mountain' has been recreated in several different forms, each with its own distinctive moods and impact," Variety quoted Proulx as saying. "Ashley's script is fresh and deeply moving, opening sight lines not visible in the original nor successive treatments."

"I'm honored to be entrusted by Annie Proulx to bring new life in new form to her timeless and universal story," Roberts stated. "A story that means so much to so many, and will surely mean as much to a whole new generation."

Butterell commented: "When Ashley approached us about collaborating on 'Brokeback Mountain,' we were struck immediately by his deep connection to the world and community that Annie has so brilliantly written about over the years. He brought to the adaptation an authenticity and an understanding of these working class men, scraping to survive the harsh brutality of their environment and the insularity of thinking surrounding them, which ultimately leads to their tragedy."

While reports did not describe the stage adaptation as a musical, the inclusion of original songs was highlighted. "Dan Gillespie Sells' powerful and beautiful songs, sung by 'The Balladeer,' give voice to the tumultuous inner landscape of our wannabe cowboys (both young men of few words), and provide the scope of our vast and brutal outer landscape, not to mention allowing Proulx's poetic prose to literally sing," What's On Stage noted.

"I have loved working on this project with Ashley and Jonathan," What's On Stage quoted Sells as saying. "The material and this complex story is inspiring to compose for."

"I've really enjoyed reconnecting with a genre of music I grew up with and using it to serve the drama of each moment," Sells added. "Plus I get to work with some legendary artists which is such an honor and a joy."

Reports noted that Faist, who takes the role made famous by Jake Gyllenhaal, was nominated for a Tony for "Dear Evan Hansen" and a BAFTA Award for his supporting role in the Steven Spielberg remake of "West Side Story," while Hedges, who portrays Ennis – a role that Heath Ledger brought to life in the film – was nominated for an Oscar for his powerhouse supporting performance in Kenneth Lonergan's 2016 film "Manchester by the Sea."

The new stage play will mark the West end debut for both actors. "Brokeback Mountain" is slated to run May 10 - Aug. 12 at a new West End playhouse, @sohoplace.