Musicals: people either love or hate them. In my experience, people who don't watch many musicals may have been poisoned by the few unsatisfying remakes they have seen on the big screen. I think that's a huge shame, as a couple rotten eggs shouldn't keep someone from experiencing the impact of a finely crafted musical. I think excellent musicals are transcended forms of art, dancing, singing, acting, painting, building, writing, narrative.
They have it all.
Knowing that a musical is a collaborative piece of art allows the audience to understand the ups and downs of a production's success.
Just because one aspect of a movie or show seems off does not discredit the unique work put in by many different artists. Musicals deserve more credit than people may give them.
The difficult part about creating a thrilling, yet personable musical, is getting passed the gap of believability. Breaking out into song and dance is not natural behavior. The more organic and descriptive a musical number, the more fun the audience and the cast has. When it comes down to judging adaptations and remakes, fun is the most important aspect to measure. Does this show make me feel what the characters are feeling? How do they use their tools to achieve this (music, key, lighting, progression, set, editing... etc.)
1. "Shrek the Musical" vs "Shrek" the Movie.
WINNER: TIE
The original Broadway production (2008) of "Shrek" was jaw-dropping. Set designers managed to create a magical fairytale land without any magic. The whole show is a spectacle ride of fun and inside jokes — jokes that can only be understood if you're a fan of the original movie (2001). The movie goes without saying, it's a goldmine.
Hopefully one day they'll create "Shrek The Musical: Part 2." Arguably the second Shrek movie is better than the first "Shrek" movie!
2. Legally Blonde" the Musical vs. "Legally Blonde" the Movie.
WINNER: Tie!
"Legally Blonde" the movie (2001) is hailed as a revolutionary romcom for the strong woman. The movie is captivating, funny, and charming. The musical doesn't drop any slack in its recreation. It matches the movie with rock/pop tunes that get under your skin (in a good way!) from the very beginning. Each song wraps plot points and character developments in with clever lyrics and groovy instrumentation. It's laugh-out-loud funny without being unintelligent.
Both adaptations are must-sees!
3. "Heathers" the Musical vs. "Heathers" the Movie.
WINNER: The MUSICAL (but the movie is also amazing).
"Heathers" (1989) was instantly a hit. Since then, it's developed a massive cult following. People can't seem to get enough of the sardonic humor and broken expectations the movie provides. From costumes to iconic lines, the movie stands its own against the test of time.
In 2013, "Heathers" the Musical hit the ground running. Many fans of the original movie were enthralled to discover the musical did not disappoint. It takes the original themes and motifs from the film and breathes new, modern life into them. The musical was a massive hit and continues to grow in popularity. The musical outranks the movie in glitz, fun, and comradery.
4. "Carrie" the Musical vs "Carrie" the Movie.
Winner: The Musical!
The movie is badass — well, most of the five or more remakes there have been in the last 20 years. The plot is captivating. The movie seems to move slowly and then erupts at the end. The reason why the musical feels more powerful and intimate is the deliberate, palpable foreshadowing of the event to come. We get a rare glimpse into what Carrie really feels — which we don't really get in the movies. Other characters motivations are more clear and the music is breathtaking. The implementation of minor key shifts in the chord structure reminds us the musical is a horror show.
5. "Les Mis" the Musical vs. "Les Mis" the Movie.
WINNER: The Musical!
The movie has gotten much criticism for its casting choices. Many die-hard thespians protest Hollywood actors playing operettic characters... like Russel Crowe. I personally think he gave a great performance. Although I can see their point. There is nothing more magical than actors who have been trained their whole life to sing.
I can't help but feel the movie landed pretty well. It was honest and endearing. However, the musical is TWO steps above the movie. Cathartically, the play hits closer to home. The proximity of the bodies on stage to the story they are telling isn't replicable on screen. You can practically feel the revolution is your heart. Choreographed dance and movement also add some to the mise-en-scene. Overall, the musical is a more effective narrative.
6. "High School Musical" the Musical vs. "High School Musical" the Movie.
WINNER: Neither
This show is basic and crusty. By that I mean: it is unoriginal, lacks emotional depth, and character charm. Been there, done that.
I know many people hold HSM close to their heart because of their happy childhood memories tied to its release — I mean I remember watching the premiere in the third grade. I have to say it: WAKE UP PEOPLE! This movie isn't good, and neither is the musical of the musical.
7. "Frozen" the Musical vs "Frozen" the Movie.
WINNER: The Musical!
Smash hit movie Frozen captured the hearts of millions upon its release. Immediately Elsa and Anna became everyone's favorite Princesses. The movie has a lot of appeal: sisterhood, no marriage, fun songs, charming characters, and internal conflict. Amazing design and animation dazzle. But... a Disney movie is a Disney movie and Frozen falls short in its attempts to liberalize for its viewers.
The amazing thing about the new musical "Frozen" is the diversity of the cast. The roles of all its characters can and have been played by men and women of all colors, sexual orientations, and body types. I've seen "Frozen Live" at the Hyperion at California Adventure twice and I saw genuine and unique interpretations of each character. Fast paced timing left no room for boredom or feel of dragging. The show also uses spectacular lighting and set design. Really, spectacular. The magic of the snow comes to life with digital design and snow prop work. It's fantastical to see live.
8. "Once Upon a Mattress" The Musical vs. "Once Upon a Mattress" the Movie.
WINNER: The Musical!
The 2005 film featuring Zooey Deschanel and Matthew Morrison fails to bring the level of calamity, magic, tomfoolery, and sarcasm that the musical inspires. The attempts are obvious, yet overbearing. This creates a production that is not comfortable with itself.
The musical, however, is comedy gold. The success of the script is up to the cast of the particular show — however, the lines lend to subtextual comedy and nuanced fun. A romp through and through, the musical delights.
9. "Chorus Line" the Musical vs. "Chorus Line" the Movie.
WINNER: The Musical!
Somehow, the flow of the movie does not match the intensity and jovial feel the musical does. The acting seems choppy and the removal of key musical numbers ultimately disappoints during the 1985 film of the hit 70s musical. Do you think it's time for another shot?
1. "Shrek the Musical" vs "Shrek" the Movie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUPEXnwAyX2/
WINNER: TIE
The original Broadway production (2008) of "Shrek" was jaw-dropping. Set designers managed to create a magical fairytale land without any magic. The whole show is a spectacle ride of fun and inside jokes — jokes that can only be understood if you're a fan of the original movie (2001). The movie goes without saying, it's a goldmine.
Hopefully one day they'll create "Shrek The Musical: Part 2." Arguably the second Shrek movie is better than the first "Shrek" movie!
2. Legally Blonde" the Musical vs. "Legally Blonde" the Movie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiiHvmpgI0b/
WINNER: Tie!
"Legally Blonde" the movie (2001) is hailed as a revolutionary romcom for the strong woman. The movie is captivating, funny, and charming. The musical doesn't drop any slack in its recreation. It matches the movie with rock/pop tunes that get under your skin (in a good way!) from the very beginning. Each song wraps plot points and character developments in with clever lyrics and groovy instrumentation. It's laugh-out-loud funny without being unintelligent.
Both adaptations are must-sees!
3. "Heathers" the Musical vs. "Heathers" the Movie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk2wBznnRZg/?taken-by=heathersmusical
4. "Carrie" the Musical vs "Carrie" the Movie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/YhIwQ3zQXB/
Winner: The Musical!
The movie is badass — well, most of the five or more remakes there have been in the last 20 years. The plot is captivating. The movie seems to move slowly and then erupts at the end. The reason why the musical feels more powerful and intimate is the deliberate, palpable foreshadowing of the event to come. We get a rare glimpse into what Carrie really feels — which we don't really get in the movies. Other characters motivations are more clear and the music is breathtaking. The implementation of minor key shifts in the chord structure reminds us the musical is a horror show.
5. "Les Mis" the Musical vs. "Les Mis" the Movie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlGyBbTn1G6/
WINNER: The Musical!
The movie has gotten much criticism for its casting choices. Many die-hard thespians protest Hollywood actors playing operettic characters... like Russel Crowe. I personally think he gave a great performance. Although I can see their point. There is nothing more magical than actors who have been trained their whole life to sing.
I can't help but feel the movie landed pretty well. It was honest and endearing. However, the musical is TWO steps above the movie. Cathartically, the play hits closer to home. The proximity of the bodies on stage to the story they are telling isn't replicable on screen. You can practically feel the revolution is your heart. Choreographed dance and movement also add some to the mise-en-scene. Overall, the musical is a more effective narrative.
6. "High School Musical" the Musical vs. "High School Musical" the Movie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkXmHVgBxgH/
WINNER: Neither
This show is basic and crusty. By that I mean: it is unoriginal, lacks emotional depth, and character charm. Been there, done that.
I know many people hold HSM close to their heart because of their happy childhood memories tied to its release — I mean I remember watching the premiere in the third grade. I have to say it: WAKE UP PEOPLE! This movie isn't good, and neither is the musical of the musical.
7. "Frozen" the Musical vs "Frozen" the Movie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfmu420lnb3/
WINNER: The Musical!
Smash hit movie Frozen captured the hearts of millions upon its release. Immediately Elsa and Anna became everyone's favorite Princesses. The movie has a lot of appeal: sisterhood, no marriage, fun songs, charming characters, and internal conflict. Amazing design and animation dazzle. But... a Disney movie is a Disney movie and Frozen falls short in its attempts to liberalize for its viewers.
The amazing thing about the new musical "Frozen" is the diversity of the cast. The roles of all its characters can and have been played by men and women of all colors, sexual orientations, and body types. I've seen "Frozen Live" at the Hyperion at California Adventure twice and I saw genuine and unique interpretations of each character. Fast paced timing left no room for boredom or feel of dragging. The show also uses spectacular lighting and set design. Really, spectacular. The magic of the snow comes to life with digital design and snow prop work. It's fantastical to see live.
8. "Once Upon a Mattress" The Musical vs. "Once Upon a Mattress" the Movie.
https://pixabay.com/en/good-night-sleep-bed-princess-1971829/
WINNER: The Musical!
The 2005 film featuring Zooey Deschanel and Matthew Morrison fails to bring the level of calamity, magic, tomfoolery, and sarcasm that the musical inspires. The attempts are obvious, yet overbearing. This creates a production that is not comfortable with itself.
The musical, however, is comedy gold. The success of the script is up to the cast of the particular show — however, the lines lend to subtextual comedy and nuanced fun. A romp through and through, the musical delights.
9. "Chorus Line" the Musical vs. "Chorus Line" the Movie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWE9_XXFEww/
WINNER: The Musical!
Somehow, the flow of the movie does not match the intensity and jovial feel the musical does. The acting seems choppy and the removal of key musical numbers ultimately disappoints during the 1985 film of the hit 70s musical. Do you think it's time for another shot?
If you're thinking about trying out some musicals for your repository, use this as a list! Can you add to it?
Here are a couple of movie musical pairs for you to decide on:
"Bring it On," The King and I,"Beauty and The Beast," "The Producers," "Addams Family," "Bye Bye Birdie," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Sound of Music," "Aladdin," "Into the Woods," "Grease," "The Last Five Years," "Olliver," "Music Man," "Dirty Dancing," "Chicago," "Hairspray," "Annie," "Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Fame," "RENT," "West Side Story," "Phantom of The Opera," "Mama Mia," "Gypsy," "Miracle on 34th Street," "Little Mermaid," "Moulin Rouge," "Bonnie and Clyde," "Little Shop of Horrors," and "Guys and Dolls" ...to name a few!
