Netflix Deal Derails Stage Adaptation Of Final Haruf Novel

<p>(Photo: Patricia Benton)</p>

The Denver Center for Performing Arts Theatre Company had high hopes about bringing Kent Haruf’s final novel, “Our Souls at Night,” to the stage. However, its theatrical ambitions were dashed recently when news broke that Robert Redford and Jane Fonda were in talks with Netflix to star in a film adaptation of the book.

DCPA artistic director Kent Thompson said the company wanted to adapt the novel with the same creative team that worked on Haruf's “Eastern Plains” trilogy. But the sale of movie prevents their adaptation. Still, they wish the film well:

“I’m very excited Kent Haruf’s work will gain a larger audience. However, we were of course disappointed that the Denver Center cannot create a stage adaptation of ‘Our Souls At Night.’ [...] We wish the film all success, and will decide about the stage adaptation, when and if the rights become available.”