LOS ANGELES - You likely know the 1999 teen classic 10 Things I Hate About You. It's celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
While Garrett Clayton is starring in an updated parody version of the film, it’s a storyline that’s timeless.
“There wasn’t a woman who fawned after a man. It wasn’t about how she changed herself to fit into his world. She knew who she was, he knew who he was, and it was about the love they had for each together,” said Clayton.
Clayton plays Patrick, the role played by Heath Ledger in the film. You may not know this version of the hit, though, just in time for the film’s 20th anniversary. Rockwell Table & Stage’s Unauthorized Musical Parody Of (UMPO) Series takes on the cult classic – but with a twist.
“We changed up to 40 percent of it, take some creative liberties. Use some famous songs you know and love,” he said.
Clayton and his director rehearse the show, that’s already drawing crowds. During this Pride Month of June, he says it’s a perfect time to take a famous hit that will draw in longtime fans and make it relevant for today, beginning with the casting of this version.
“It’s not about your skin color or gender or type, it’s who is best for the part. The sister Kat is white but sister Bianca is Filipino and the dad is black,” he said.
The altered story lines make this version of the story more inclusive.
“I’m hoping this can be a celebration of the LGBT culture. We have a man in drag, a lesbian love line, nothing is steered away from. The show has been tailored to the community,” he said.
A story of acceptance, tolerance, loving each other for what we all are, not what we want each other to be..sound familiar?
“The ability to take something that mean so much to so many people, and getting to revisit those storylines and update it into today’s stuff and make a comment about it even,” director Nathen Moore said.
So while you have the chance to sit back and enjoy some '90s nostalgia, you'll also be able to take pride knowing society is moving forward to the future.
The show runs every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. though the end of June.
You can buy tickets here: https://rockwell-la.com/shows/