The Netflix hit show first existed as a novel written by Walter Tevis in 1983. When Allan Scott pitched the screen adaptation, the idea got rejected… for thirty years. Disinterest stemmed from the assumption that nobody would watch a show about chess. It made sense. Attention spans now shrink faster than cotton sweaters in the dryer. When finally given the chance, Allan Scott and writer/director, Scott Frank, succeeded on bringing this story to life. Now, we can expect ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ stage adaptation.
The show raised some eyebrows. Everyone was talking about it upon its release in October 2020. It also had everyone playing chess. Director of marketing at Goliath Games, Mary Higbe, told NPR some impressive news. The company’s chess board sales increased by 178% in October 2020 compared to October 2019. The show’s immense gravity sucked-in numerous awards like meteorites. The show won the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film. Anya Taylor-Joy won the Golden Globe for Best Actress.
Great shows like ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ kept many of us company through pandemic life. As a result of this, its commercial and critical success have propelled it further into the culture. New production company, Level Forward, acquired theatrical stage rights to Tevis’ novel. Level Forward will develop ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ stage adaptation into a musical.
The story revolves around young orphan and chess phenomenon, Beth Harmon, rising as a world-class player while struggling with drug addiction. Level Forward remains quiet on creative developments regarding ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ stage adaptation.
