So I’ve seen a lot of musicals. From Broadway to YouTube slime tutorials (if you know you know), and everything in between. There are a plethora of elements that set live musical theatre apart from other mediums of art, so when it comes to translating a musical into a movie version, it can be difficult, and even often controversial. Don’t make me watch Cats (2019) again. Let the cat people be cat people on the stage where we won’t question it.
An important factor in making a good movie adaptation is what I’ll call the “real-life feeling.” A great example of this is Tick, Tick… Boom!, which follows the life of Jonathan Larson, the creator of the musical. The audience can envision the story in the real world, as the character is a real person, and isn’t confined to a theatre. A musical that I think fits this factor is Company, which follows Bobby who is reflecting on his love life at 35. I think this musical is relatable to many people as they grow into their 20s-30s and contemplate what they want/don’t want out of love and how it affects their concept of self. While the music does have some flash in it, as most musicals do, that might bring an audience out of the serious aspects of the plot, I feel like if produced well it could be fantastic.
No matter my opinion, musicals will continue to be made into movies and I will continue to go see them.
A great reason to adapt a musical is when world-building adds to the plot, such as Chicago, where increasing the production value contributes to creating Roxie’s extravagant, burlesque fantasies come to life and contrast her criminal reality. I believe that Anastasia would thrive in this respect. The stage production of this is already beautiful but, with the allowances of a film set and costuming this show could really shine and highlight the old regal Russia versus the new struggling communist Russia. The music in Anastasia is also phenomenal. Essentially, I need another excuse to listen to the soundtrack more.
Sadly, there are instances when a musical will not translate well as a movie. For example, Falsettos; a musical that I will forever listen to and re-watch the bootleg that totally does not exist on YouTube. The casting is spot on and the staging is simplistic to the point where if more production and flair were added, it would take away from the art. In these cases, I just want a professional recording of the musical released in theatres. There’s a sort of intimacy that these productions emphasize that I believe live theatre was always intended to create. I’d hate for a movie to tarnish it.
No matter my opinion, musicals will continue to be made into movies and I will continue to go see them. Will they all be bad? No. Will some of them be great? Hopefully.
