Broadway is lazy, and Hollywood is lazy. Musicals are being turned into movies and live television events. Movies are also being adapted into Broadway musicals. It’s a genius way to reach an audience when it’s already formed.
Sometimes these are successful and other times they can be major flops. Most recently on Broadway is the cartoon movie Frozen. With the success of Anastasia transferring to Broadway, Frozen is bound to have great performances. Hopefully these up and coming musicals do their original films justice.
Pretty Woman
Opening August 15th, who could forget the popular film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere? Pretty Woman tells the story of a businessman trying to hire a sex-worker for a social function, only to end up falling in love with her. I hope Julia Roberts’ iconic costumes make it to the Broadway run. I am also excited to hear the different songs and style of singing that will come from these characters. I can’t wait for a big duet between them.
The Devil Wears Prada
This is the story of a nerdy graduate seeking a job as the assistant to an editor-in-chief of a world-renowned fashion magazine. Honestly, I don’t care who fights me on this, editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly is the best character Meryl Streep has ever played. I am very interested in seeing what kind of songs Miranda Priestly would sing. I could definitely see every other character sing a song, but not her. That would be kind of iconic that even in a musical she would just refuse to sing. Elton John is creating the music so at least the songs will be good.
17 Again
This classic Zac Efron movie that tells the story of a grown man that gets to redo his high school experience. We all know Zac Efron can sing and dance from High School Musical, but Efron is a little old to be playing a teenager. I really hope the musical is cast correctly, because I think that will make or break ticket sales. I can already imagine songs about being a sad adult and songs about being a teenager. I hope Zac Efron gets a chance to go to see the show. I would love to hear his review.
13 Going on 30
Sort of the opposite of 17 Again, this movie depicts a 13 year-old Jenna who makes a wish to start her grown-up life and wakes up in the body of a 30-year-old woman. This was the first PG-13 movie I ever saw, so it has a special place in my heart. It is one of my favorite rom-coms of all time. Also that Jennifer Garner/Mark Ruffalo chemistry was on fire. I am really excited for this musical because I love the soundtrack to the movie and I can’t wait to see which songs they keep and add. I really hope they keep in Michael Jackson’s Thriller routine.
I am very excited that these musicals have lots of roles for women because I am all about more female representation on stage. However, I am anxious to see which actors will fill the roles of the iconic actors we already associate these characters with. All these adaptations have me excited for the future of Broadway. The entertainment world is exciting and full of surprises. Some other musicals to be on lookout for: Magic Mike, Tootsie, Beetlejuice, and an untitled Britney Spears Musical.