By: Natalie Lambert, Content Manager
With a sudden rush of popularity, well known Broadway musicals are being turned into movie adaptations in Hollywood. Successful musicals such as Wicked, 13, and Cats, are expected to hit theaters in the upcoming years, while other plays such as Les Miserables and Into the Woods have already been turned into blockbuster films. The new trend can most likely be explained by the recent interest in Broadway Theatre and the refreshing plots seen on stage.
Broadway has always been well known for its innovative ideas and creative storylines. Audiences are able to appreciate the careful care that is crafted into each show, night after night. The consistency of Broadway plays, and the amazing talent showcased in them have no doubt caught the eye of numerous producers. Moviegoers and critics are always searching for the next big thing; detailed musical numbers, fully fledged characters, and all the magic of theatre, are perfect for transferring to the big screen.
Senior Devon Stokes says, “Broadway shows effectively convey so many different kinds of emotions that it’s really impossible for someone to not find something that they relate to or enjoy on a Broadway stage. The use of theatre as an entertainment medium can be different and intriguing to those unfamiliar with stage productions, and just the concept of trying something new can be enough to draw a person to see a show. It’s all really interesting.”
In the past, many plays such as Little Shop of Horrors and Phantom of the Opera were given movie correspondents. However, Broadway was quickly brought back to movie theaters; in 2012, Les Miserables was remade with live performances and a cast of well-known actors and actresses. The play was met with positive feedback and an eager audience.
Soon after, Into the Woods was announced to become a movie as well. With an original plot that centers on popular fairy tales, the musical is a favorite among many Broadway fans. The cast for the movie consists of Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp, and many other talented actors and actresses.
Junior Julie Gotfried says on the Into the Woods remake, “I think it will be good because it is based on a Broadway background and Meryl Streep is in it so it must be good. As much as I’m looking forward to the movie, it isn’t the same as the show.”
Many other plays are going through the process of being produced and directed for release. Musicals that are rumored to make a film debut in the following years range from Wicked to American Idiot, along with many others. It seems that Broadway plays are becoming a hot commodity for directors and for the viewing public, who wish to see these famous plays in an altered way.
“Honestly, I think there are several factors. One of them is the lack of original movie or script ideas which is why we see a lot of movie remakes, and adaptions of plays and musicals rather than original scripts. Also, it’s a less expensive way for people to experience Broadway musicals. It’s also easy to attract an audience when they already love the script,” says senior Kaleen Perkins.
Although the reasons behind this new trend are unknown, it cannot be denied that Broadway is having a popular resurgence in the film world. Only time can tell if this trend will continue in the future.