The musical began life at Two River Theater in New Jersey in 2015. Upon closing, the show later became a social media phenomenon, with the cast album reaching #59 on the Billboard album charts in 2017. After a sold-out Off-Broadway run in the summer of 2018 at the Pershing Square Signature Center, the show will transfer to Broadway in Spring 2019 at the Lyceum Theatre.
"Be More Chill" is famous for its signature musical number, "Michael in the Bathroom," sung in Act 2 by the character of Michael Mell, originated on stage by George Salazar.
George Salazar said in an interview that in terms of a film adaptation, should one be made, he may outgrow the role of Michael Mell and could instead either play Mr. Reyes or simply make a cameo appearance.
Other A-list film producers/filmmakers who sought after the film rights before Shawn Levy and Greg Berlanti were chosen included Nina Jacobson, Ron Howard, Michael De Luca, Marty Bowen, Scooter Braun, Jennifer Todd and Robert Zemeckis.
Max Hechtman got interested in adapting the musical for the screen before the show began its sold-out Off-Broadway run in the summer of 2018.