Stage play adaptation
Colin Higgins adapted the story into a stage play. A French adaptation by Jean-Claude Carrière opened in 1973 at the Théâtre Récamier in Paris, where Yves Saint Laurent designed costumes for Madeleine Renaud as Maude.[40] Renaud would reprise the role in Harold et Maude for multiple productions.
The original Broadway production, starring Janet Gaynor as Maude and Keith McDermott as Harold, closed after four performances in February 1980.[41]
The Yugoslav premiere of Harold i Mod was staged at the Belgrade Drama Theatre (BDP) on March 23, 1980, directed by Paolo Magelli, with Tatjana Lukjanova (Maude), Milan Erak (Harold), and Žiža Stojanović (Mrs. Chasen). Slobodan Beštić later assumed the role of Harold. The play remained in the BDP repertoire until Lukjanova's death in 2003.[42]
The play became popular in Brazil during the 2000s when João Falcão directed Arlindo Lopes and Gloria Menezes on the first run of the production.[43] Nivea Maria later assumed the role of Maude.
French television adaptation
A French adaptation for television, translated and written by Jean-Claude Carrière, appeared in 1978. It was also adapted for the stage by the Compagnie Viola Léger in Moncton, New Brunswick,[44] starring Roy Dupuis.[45]
Musical adaptation
A musical adaptation, with songs by Joseph Thalken and Tom Jones, premiered at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ, in January 2005. The production starred Estelle Parsons as Maude and Eric Millegan as Harold.[46][47]
Unproduced sequel and prequel
Higgins expressed interest in 1978 regarding both a sequel and prequel to Harold and Maude:[48] Cort would return for Harold's Story, living life after Maude. Higgins also imagined the prequel Grover and Maude, where Maude learns how to steal cars from Grover Muldoon—the character portrayed by Richard Pryor in Higgins' 1976 film Silver Streak—with Gordon and Pryor reprising their respective roles.
