Wicked passes $1 Billion-What's it share in common with Phantom & Lion King- Page 2

[bwayrose7]

Posted: 3/16/16 at 1:30pm

I think there's also an element of universality to these stories, which their fantastical settings allow to shine through more than a show grounded in a specific time/place. The Lion King is about family struggles, power and envy, guilt, and trying to find one's place in the world. Wicked is about feeling different, being let down and becoming stronger for it, and the extraordinary power of friendship. Anyone can relate to something there- anyone who has lost a loved one feels Simba's desperation to see Mufasa's ghost, anyone who has ever felt different or not good enough can feel Elphaba's growing isolation. You don't have to understand the politics and culture of a specific time and place- as much as knowing Bush-era politics might enhance Wicked, for instance, it's not crucial to the story as a whole.

As for Phantom, well, not sure what's as universal there. Maybe more people than we thought have dealt with stalkers who imply they're a dead parent? :P

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/16/16 at 1:48pm

It's ALL about the spectacle and the music.  Nothing more; nothing less.  International audiences kept CATS running 18 years on Broadway for the exact same reason.  The show's logos and names alone are internationally known so when they visit NYC, they'll just go to see shows they know about and who's logos they recognize.  Heck, even the ads for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA only show the mask and no text.  They could care LESS about what is the hot show.   

 

Same applies to the masses.  I work in the fashion industry where you'd expect my colleagues are keen and aware of what is up in NYC and I can count on one hand how many are remotely aware of HAMILTON or even care.  

 

Watch Randy Rainbow's man-on-the-street videos and you'll see what I'm talking about.  The regular person in NYC is clueless to Broadway and its offerings.  Factor in now the global and domestic masses.  

Posted: 3/27/16 at 2:04pm

bwayrose7 said: "I think there's also an element of universality to these stories, which their fantastical settings allow to shine through more than a show grounded in a specific time/place. The Lion King is about family struggles, power and envy, guilt, and trying to find one's place in the world. Wicked is about feeling different, being let down and becoming stronger for it, and the extraordinary power of friendship. Anyone can relate to something there- anyone who has lost a loved one feels Simba's desperation to see Mufasa's ghost, anyone who has ever felt different or not good enough can feel Elphaba's growing isolation. You don't have to understand the politics and culture of a specific time and place- as much as knowing Bush-era politics might enhance Wicked, for instance, it's not crucial to the story as a whole.

As for Phantom, well, not sure what's as universal there. Maybe more people than we thought have dealt with stalkers who imply they're a dead parent? :P

 

"

Phantom is about heart!!! It's the best that Broadway has to offer...it has spectacle and romance and gives the people a real show. If you don't relate directly to the dynamic themes of Phantom then I don't know what kind of lives you have lived.