ORIGINALLY an Oscar-winning film, Little Miss Sunshine is now a stage musical – and it’s coming to Stirling Theatre this November.

Written by William Finn and James Lapine and directed by Tyler Eldridge, the story follows an incredibly dysfunctional family as they cross the US in a clapped-out Kombi van so their youngest daughter can take part in a regional children’s beauty pageant.

“Let’s just say everything that could go wrong, does go wrong,” Eldrige said.

“People should expect the same hilarious story from the film, as they travel from Albuquerque to Rodondo Beach, California.

“The musical takes this story and adds a lot of heart – be prepared for some really moving moments.”

One of the biggest challenges, according to Eldridge, is the fact Little Miss Sunshine is so well-known as a film.

“How much do you make your own and how much do you lift directly from the film?” he said. “It’s a very fine line.

“Another challenge is the movie is essentially a road film and that comes with the interesting task of staging multiple scenes – and songs – that happen in the Kombi van.”

Performing in the Hills area since he was a child, Eldridge has more recently worked as a director and musical director with Roleystone and Blak Yak Theatres on Little Shop of Horrors, First Date The Musical, Calvin Berger and Annie.

In 2017, he was named best director of a youth production at the annual Finley Awards for Calvin Berger.

“Little Miss Sunshine and its story of a family, trying their best against all odds to achieve their daughter’s pageant queen dreams, really resonated with me,” Eldridge said.

“The book and music are fantastic and I feel this show, while quite mature, covers many important themes about overcoming death, striving to achieve your dream and what being a family is really all about.”

Little Miss Sunshine plays at 8pm November 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and December 1 with 2pm matinees November 18 and 25. Tickets are $25, $22 concession – book through Morris News on 9446 9120 or at www.trybooking.com/XMJH.

Stirling Theatre is on Morris Place, Innaloo.