What Makes a Screen to Stage Musical Sucessful ?

[Jonwo]

Posted: 5/1/07 at 8:13am

In recent years, there has many stage musicals based on successful films ranging from successful (The Producers, LSOH, Lion King) to flop (Peggy Sue, Wedding Singer, Witches of Eastwick). But I want to know is what makes a screen to stage musical sucessful apart from a well known title

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 5/1/07 at 8:54am

I would have to go with understanding the balance between using recognizeable moments from the film but also the differences between stage and screen, especially how said moments are connected. There's an interesting thread about the History Boys film right now and someone pinpointed exactly that, that the transitions were important in the play but they didn't translate well to screen. The key, I think, is to provide those memorable moments in a new light. It's harder because the camera focuses your attention on exactly what the director wants you to see at a given moment, and that art is entirely different on the stage. On that note, one show that made this transition exceptionally well is Billy Elliot and I'm glad I won't have to travel overseas to see it again. I won't comment on any of the other screen to stage shows playing here right now because someone'll just say it sucks just to be contrary. :)

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 5/1/07 at 8:59am

A cast that makes the audience forget about the original portrayers of the roles.

A memorable score.

A memorable libretto that follows the movie just enough that diehards won't be disappointed and original enough that it's not a basic stage-rehasing.