11 movies that are now, surprisingly, musicals
The inspiration for a musical may come from variety of sources. Many musicals are original pieces with the music and story crafted carefully together. Some are musical adaptations of plays and books, where a classic tale is retold. However, more recently the genesis of a musical may come from a much more modern medium; that of film.
The announcement of Heathers, (a musical adaption of the 80’s cult classic film), as part of the upcoming Hayes Theatre Co season got me thinking, it may not always be the movies you expect which get the Broadway treatment.
Here are 11 movies that you might be surprised have been turned into musicals:
11. BIG: The Musical
A musical adaption of the 1988 Tom Hanks film featuring music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.
The show opened on Broadway in April 1996 and was nominated for 5 Tony awards in its 196 show run.
10. Catch Me If You Can
A musical, based on a movie, based on a true story.
Written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman, featuring a book by Terrence McNally the musical is based on the 2002 movie which starred Leonardo DiCaprio which was based on the life of con man Frank Abagnale Junior.
Directed by Jack O’Brian and choreography by Jerry Mitchell the show first opened on Broadway in 2011 and ran for 170 performances.
9. High Fidelity
With a book by David Lindsay-Abaire, lyrics by Amanda Green, and music by Tom Kitt High Fidelity the Musical is based primarily on the Nick Hornby book. This was also the inspiration for the successful 2000 movie staring John Cusack.
After 18 previews the show opened on Broadway in December 2006 and closed after 14 performances.
8. Carrie: The Musical
Based on the acclaimed horror novel by Stephen King with movie versions made in both 1976 and 2012. The musical features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford.
The show original Broadway production cost US $8 million and opened in in April 1988 after 16 previews. It closed after 5 performances.
7. Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical
Based on the 1978 porn film Debbie Does Dallas, of course.
Book by Susan L. Schwartz, composed by Andrew Sherman, with Tom Kitt and Jonathan Callicutt providing additional music and lyrics.
Unlike the original movie, the musical does not actually contain any nudity.
6. Evil Dead: The Musical
Evil Dead: The Musical is actually based on a series of movies rather than 1 individual movie, but I think that still counts.
With music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and music, lyrics and book by George Reinblatt the first production was in Toronto in 2003 before an Off Broadway season in 2006.
5. Silence! The Musical
Originally created to be a online movie musical in 2003 this parody of Silence of the Lambs proved to be so popular that a full stage production was produced.
With music and lyrics Jon and Al Kaplan and book Hunter Bell, it first opened in New York in 2005 and has enjoyed London and Off-Broadway productions since.
4. 50 Shades! The Musical Parody
50 Shades of Grey is a book and movie so ripe for parody it has spawned not one, but two musicals.
50 Shades! The Musical Parody and Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody.
3. Rocky
Based on the original 1976 Rocky film with music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, with a book by Thomas Meehan.
Rocky opened on Broadway in March 2014 and ran for 188 performances. The production was nominated for 4 Tony awards and 7 Drama Desk awards.
2. Bend It Like Beckham The Musical
Based on the 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham has music by Howard Goodall, lyrics by Charles Hart, and a book by Gurinder Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges.
The production is currently in previews on the West End with opening night slated for late June.
1. American Psycho – The Musical
Who wouldn’t want to see a musical about an 80s Manhattan psychopath?
Based on the book by Bret Easton Ellis and subsequent 2000 movie adaption, the musical has music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik and a book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.
The musical premiered as part of Headlong’s (London theatre company) 2012-13 season.
Heathers The Musical opens at The Hayes theatre on 16 July 2015. Tickets are available now.
