Thirty-five years after the original film’s release, “Thelma & Louise” has been reimagined as a stage musical currently running in London. The adaptation features new music by singer-songwriter Neko Case and was developed with the approval of Callie Khouri, the original film’s screenwriter. The production is onstage at the Young Vic theater through October 24.

“Thelma & Louise,” directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1991, was notable for its portrayal of two working-class women on the run, culminating in an iconic final scene in which the characters drive off the edge of the Grand Canyon rather than surrendering to law enforcement. The film was widely regarded as a feminist statement against prevailing cinematic misogyny, with Khouri aiming to create a story that resonated especially deeply with women.

Khouri, who declined previous proposals for sequels or prequels, said she decided to support a musical adaptation in part because it allowed her creative oversight, including the ability to halt the project if needed. A former theater student, Khouri also saw an opportunity to collaborate with her friend Neko Case, a musician she met through her husband, producer T Bone Burnett. Case, who experienced sexual assault as a teenager, connected strongly with a pivotal attempted rape scene in the story, citing its complex and non-simplistic portrayal of women’s agency as rare and important.

The musical’s book was written by Khouri, with direction by Tripp Cullman. Unlike the film’s emphasis on the protagonists’ iconic 1966 Thunderbird, the stage version downplays the car due to the challenges of representing a road movie onstage. Instead, the setting centers on a country-western bar called the Silver Bullet, whose patrons serve as a kind of chorus. This decision, intended to unlock theatrical imagination rather than mimic the film literally, has drawn mixed reactions from critics.

The production features a largely American creative team, with a predominantly British cast. Rachel Tucker, from Belfast, plays Louise, while Amy Lennox, from Aberdeen, portrays Thelma. Both actresses bring fresh interpretations to the roles; Lennox acknowledged the iconic status of the characters but emphasized her intent to inhabit the roles as her own, rather than replicate the original film performances. Tucker noted that growing up in a different era shaped her understanding of the story’s context, particularly regarding past attitudes toward women’s experiences.

Young Vic artistic director Nadia Fall described the show as a “rallying cry for women,” especially relevant amid ongoing global debates about women’s rights. The musical highlights themes of friendship, freedom, and feminism, much like the original film, and seeks to engage contemporary audiences with its message.

Khouri, now based in Nashville, acknowledged the inherent uncertainties in adapting a beloved film for the stage. She remarked on the unpredictability of creative endeavors across media but emphasized the lasting impact of “Thelma & Louise.” For many viewers and now theatergoers, she said, the story continues to influence perspectives and resonate on a deeply personal level.