Truly Original Broadway Shows — Page 2

Updated On: 5/8/09 at 03:46 PM

Todd, I had it as original, um, originally, but changed it. It's certainly up to argument.

But the point is, truly original musicals have ALWAYS been the exception, not the norm.

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"I was just pointing out what seems to be a lack of creativity on Broadway these days."

It's not so much a dirth of creativity or talent that is the problem, it's a dirth of producers willing to invest in the unknown. 99% of producers will only touch something they know is a sure bet or something already pre-produced with a good track record. There's still alot of original work being written but it's still underground and found in Fringe Festivals and other self produced festivals. It's too much of a gamble to mount a broadway show no matter what the size with the amount of money it costs to produce unless it's a sure bet... which makes it all truly sad for those of us who desire something original.

Personally, and I know this is a little OT, but A Catered Affair would've been a better play.

But that doesn't make it any less original. In fact, there are a lot of changes made to the musical from the movie.

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Also, I remember reading that Titanic was based off on a book called "A Night to Remember." I might be wrong.

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neddyfrank, I think the The Sound of Music is loosely based on Maria von Trapp’s published memoirs (not just her “memories”).

THE SOUND OF MUSIC was indeed (AND VERY LOOSELY) based on Maria Von Trapp's memoir. In my eyes, and this might be a matter of opinion, there is a difference between adapting a show from a memoir and just using real life events as a model for a show.
CAROLINE, OR CHANGE is more inspired by Kushner's childhood than adapted from it though. I do find it quite neat that Kushner was able to bring in his family's former maid (the woman who inspired the title role) to see the show. How wonderful is that?
There's also shows that while based on another medium, are so far off from the actual text, GYPSY and NINE come to mind.

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So the definition of "original" then is now something that was not ever published or something that ever happened in real life?

That is very limiting. Most writers understand that if they don't publish their work then they risk losing copyright privileges. This is a business. I think something that has never been put on a Stage or Screen before is original to me.

Books don't usually include scores. They may play at them, like Shakesphere did at times but he hardly deserves credit for musical scores.

I agree we are seeing more original work on Broadway and that is good thing for us older folks. It's good that Theatre reflects some of real life but give me a Musical that lifts your spirits and leaves you with a feeling of euphoria any day! That's just me though. I can tolerate some revivals. The pity of getting old is that you are bound to be bombarded with revivals you really feel you can live without. I just wish they could bring down the expenses more because it is preventing some really good stuff from making it's way on stage. Too bad but it is so much better than it was when there was barely anything worth going out to see.

So I hope the trend continues as it is. Though one, maybe two Disney Shows is plenty for me. I would still like them to make room for those who are madly creative and open to new experiences and presentations. I myself am looking forward to a little more song and dance that leaves me more merry and less dreary!

I'd like to see a truly original thread that expresses a thought never expressed before about a subject that has never been talked about and has never actually happened in the history of the universe.