'An Inspector Falls', Is THE PINK PANTHER Stage Bound?

WhatsOnStage is reporting that the long in development 'Pink Panther' stage musical is gaining steam again and is heading into workshop readings.

The Shadow of the Pink Panther, as it is now being called, could be set to 'stumble' onto the West End stage by early 2011 reveals WOS.

'Panther' would feature a score written by the late Henry Mancini, writer of the signature Pink Panther theme, with collaborating writers helping to complete and expand the music for the full production.

The Pink Panther franchise is a series of comedy films featuring the bumbling French police detective Jacques Clouseau that began in 1963 with the release of the film of the same name. The role was originated by, and is most closely associated with, Peter Sellers. Most of the films were directed and co-written by Blake Edwards, with notable theme music composed by Henry Mancini.

The two most recent Pink Panther films starred Steve Martin.

Blake Edwards brought his film classic Victor/Victoria to the Broadway stage in 1995. Music was by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and additional musical material by Frank Wildhorn. It was based on the 1982 film of the same name. Mancini passed away before he could complete the music, and Wildhorn was brought in to finish the score. The original Broadway production, in 1995 starred the original film's leading lady and musical icon, Julie Andrews.