Universal Acquires 'Wicked' Author's Next Book 'Egg and Spoon' (Exclusive)

Beverly Hills, CA - Universal, producer Marc Platt and Wicked author Gregory Maguire are getting back into business together. The studio has optioned Maguire's upcoming fantasy book Egg and Spoon with Platt attached to produce via his Marc Platt Productions banner.

Maguire, known as a revisionist of children's fairytales, wrote the hugely popular book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which was turned into the hit Broadway musical of the same name. Platt and Universal produced the musical, now in its 10th year. The production has been nominated for 10 Tony Awards and won three, and launched the careers of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Universal and Platt also have a big-screen version of Wicked in the works, with Stephen Daldry attached to direct.

Egg and Spoon, which will hit shelves Sept. 9 via Candlewick Press, follows a young girl who lives in the impoverished Russian countryside. She lives a hard life, fending for herself and her sick mother. But then a train arrives, carrying untold wealth and a noble family which includes a girl of her age. The two girls' lives collide, setting a grand adventure — involving mistaken identity and a prince traveling incognito — in motion.

Egg and Spoon also will have Maguire's signature fantastical elements in it, as the story includes the Baba Yaga, the witch of Russian folklore, who lives in a hut perched on chicken legs.

Senior VP of Production Kristin Lowe and Director of Development Sara Scott will oversee the project for the studio, and Adam Siegel will oversee on behalf of Marc Platt Productions.

Maguire, who is the founder and co-director of the non-profit educational charity Children's Literature New England, Incorporated, is repped by APA, which worked in conjunction with John Hawkins & Associates in the deal.

About APA
With headquarters in Beverly Hills, New York and Nashville, APA (Agency for the Performing Arts) is the fourth largest diversified talent agency in Los Angeles. Founded in 1962, the agency now represents artists, performers and brands across all media platforms, with divisions that include Talent, Feature and Television Literary, Comedy, Concerts, Alternative & International Television, Branded Lifestyle, Entertainment Marketing & Brand Integration, and Physical Production.