Blue Harbor, Variance Films Acquire US Rights to Sundance Comedy 'The Musical'
The film starring Will Brill, Rob Lowe, and Gillian Jacobs is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release this September.

“For me, there is no greater rush than watching a comedy in a theater with an audience. I am forever grateful to these partners for providing The Musical with that opportunity”
- Director
- Giselle Bonilla
- Starring
- Will Brill, Rob Lowe, Gillian Jacobs
- Genre
- Comedy
- Where to Watch
- Theaters
Blue Harbor Entertainment and Variance Films have acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the Sundance comedy 'The Musical,' according to Deadline.
The film stars Will Brill as a disgruntled playwright turned middle-school theater teacher who concocts a diabolical scheme after his ex-girlfriend (Gillian Jacobs) begins dating the school's principal (Rob Lowe). The project marks the feature directorial debut of actress-turned-filmmaker Giselle Bonilla.
What is 'The Musical' about?
The plot follows Doug Leibowitz (Brill), a teacher longing for New York. To ruin his nemesis's reputation and jeopardize a coveted award, Doug secretly plots to stage the most inappropriate play imaginable with his middle-school students.
Who is behind the film?
Giselle Bonilla directs. The film had its world premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
"For me, there is no greater rush than watching a comedy in a theater with an audience," Bonilla said. "I am forever grateful to these partners for providing The Musical with that opportunity."
Producers on the project include Rob Lowe, Greg Lauritano, Alexander Heller, Findlay Brown, and Jordan Backhus. Unapologetic Projects Partners is teaming with Blue Harbor and Variance on the release. The deal was brokered by WME Independent on behalf of the filmmakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is starring in 'The Musical'?
The film stars Will Brill, Rob Lowe, and Gillian Jacobs. Will Brill plays the lead role of Doug Leibowitz, a middle-school theater teacher, while Gillian Jacobs plays his ex-girlfriend and Rob Lowe plays the school principal.
Is this a directorial debut?
Yes. 'The Musical' represents the feature directorial debut of actress and filmmaker Giselle Bonilla.
Where did 'The Musical' premiere?
The film made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where it screened in the U.S. Dramatic Competition.
More from The Screen Report

Chris Evans Reveals Marvel Pitched a Dozen Captain America Returns Before Doomsday
The star says Robert Downey Jr.'s comeback and Joe Russo's vision convinced him to finally reprise his role as Steve Rogers.

‘Transformers: The Movie’ Returns to Theaters in 4K This September with New Post-Credits Scene
The 1986 animated classic hits theaters on September 17 with an exclusive new sequence, part of Hasbro's 'Apology Tour' for Optimus Prime's death.

Dungeons & Dragons Sequel Script Exists, But Director Doubts It Will Ever Be Made
Co-director Jonathan Goldstein revealed at Comic-Con that a sequel script is finished, but financial hurdles from the first film's box office make its future uncertain.

Resident Evil Director Zach Cregger Defends Creative Liberties for 2026 Adaptation
The 'Weapons' director explains why his film is set in modern times with snow, not directly adapting the 1998 video game's setting.