thoughts about new musicals based on movies?

Hey I just wanted to know what are your thoughts on musicals based on movies (like the wedding singer, Lord of the Rings, Legally Blonde etc).

Updated On: 1/25/06 at 08:34 AM

heheheh my bad thanks.

fixed it...wow I triple posted...I"m cool. hehe

Needless.

Once in a while the addition of songs can enhance the experience: PASSION is actually better as a musical than it is in Ettore Scoala's film. And the score of LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA makes the material richer.

But in general, a lazy way to do a show. It shows how desperate creators are and the total lack of imagination on Broadway today. Take a hit movie, stick some second rate songs in it and get a 2 year run. FULL MONTY a prime example...what was gained by adding music? Nothing.

Even lazier - take a hit movie musical and put it on stage. Now 42ND STREET worked because it brought its own unique theatre experience to the material but SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, 7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROS, HIGH SOCIETY and MEET ME IN ST LOUIS were all deserved flops. None of them did more than try and recreate a movie on stage. LION KING offers a unique visual experience that is very exciting though the book and score are undernourished.

That is why successful ORIGINAL musicals (SPELLING BEE, AVE Q, URINETOWN etc) are to be prized.

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