http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/musicals/hutchence-the-musical-on-cards-20110223-1b5k3.html
THE fast life and messy demise of Michael Hutchence could soon become the subject of a Broadway musical, thanks to a deal between a US agency and the late INXS singer's former personal manager.
Los Angeles-based entertainment agency APA said yesterday it had signed a deal with Martha Troup, Hutchence's personal manager at the time of his death in 1997, and an entity called Michael's Trust to develop ''various projects that highlight Michael's creative genius''.
A statement from the parties read: ''There has been very little written, produced or released in the Australian or international market about Michael Hutchence since his untimely death … The unique opportunity exists to restore, preserve and celebrate his legacy.''
Ms Troup told The Age there was a significant amount of unreleased music among the trust's assets. ''There's definitely more than an album's worth,'' she said.
Asked if there was any chance some of that music might find its way into an INXS release, she said: ''I would probably say I doubt it, but I'm not against it. They're amazing musicians, so why not? I would love [INXS's Andrew Farriss] to put his touch on something, but I truly don't know.''
Ms Troup said the first project was likely to be a documentary, despite Hutchence's former bandmates last year blocking the release of such a project by refusing to grant permission to use their music in it.
''We've already started talking to producers and directors about a documentary, and I think we have that figured out,'' she said. ''A documentary is going to be made. I will make sure, no matter what, and I hope it is with everybody's blessing.''
Longer-term plans include a dramatic musical for Broadway and a feature film.
Any such project would need to deal with Hutchence's unfortunate end in a room of Sydney's Ritz Carlton hotel. APA agent Keith Naisbitt insisted they would not shy away from any aspect of the singer's life or death.
''Michael was an incredibly charismatic performer, and he lived a full life. He was a rock star in every sense of the word, warts and all. In fact, he was one of the last great rock stars.''
As for who might play him, Ms Troup had a few ideas. ''It's a tough one … Maybe James Franco, but I don't know if he sings,'' she said.
