Taymor Tapped To Direct Beatles Musical

Two-time Tony Award winner Julie Taymor has come on board to direct the film musical "All You Need Is Love." As previously reported, the Revolution Studios project will feature 18 songs by the Beatles.

"Love" is a love story about a British boy and an American girl set against the backdrop of the social upheaval of the 1960s. Although not about the Fab Four, the musical will use their songs to drive the narrative, with the actors singing and dancing to the classic tunes.

"Love" was written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais ("The Commitments"). Production is expected to begin in September for a Thanksgiving 2006 release.

Taymor, who won two Tonys for the Broadway production of "The Lion King," also directed the films "Frida," starring Salma Hayek, and "Titus," starring Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange.

-- Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter

I'm a little sick of all the musicals revolving around a bands music (Mamma Mia, Moving Out, whatever the Queen musical is called), but this could not suck. Julie Taymor is great, the Commitments was great, and the Beatles are sure better than Queen, Abba and Billy Joel.

The death of the Broadway musical.

Musical Theater is the lowest form of human expression. There, I've said my piece.

Does your wife agree?

Nope, she's all about the phantom.