Movie Musicals Vs Musical Movies

Have you enjoyed Billy Elliot? 9 to 5? Dirty Dancing Trance Music - Free Flowing Electronica - Have you ever found yourself dancing in a club, utterly absorbed in the melody, feeling as if the trance music is flowing through you and guiding your body's movements? This is an experience I've had numerous times during carefree nights at local techno clubs I've often wondered which type of techno generates this unforgettable sensation… ? These questions prompt a counter question: “The film or the musical?” The line between the silver screen and the Broadway stage has become increasingly blurred. There has always been a unification of the arts: literary, visual, performing. Theatre and film have always encompassed all of these.

Musical films have been around since Gordon McRae and Shirley Jones first expressed their love for each other in Oklahoma! and Carousel. Musical films may have taken a darker turn with the likes of Chicago, Rent, and Sweeney Todd, but they still captivate moviegoers. What is it about the silver screen that fascinates us? What makes a musical film worthwhile? Is it the story?

It’s not just the big screen that has embraced the musical element.

Television shows have introduced musical episodes. Buffy, Scrubs, Daria, and Xena all have musical episodes, and let’s not forget the numerous musical numbers found in The Simpsons, South Park, and Family Guy, some of which are directly taken from Broadway itself.

Musicals have often taken their stories from books. This practice continues with recent shows like the wildly popular Wicked, based on the book by Gregory Maguire. However, books have taken a backseat to films as the basis for new musicals. 9 to 5 and Billy Elliot are on Broadway, Dirty Dancing is on tour, and Sister Act is on stage in London B52 - Wade Crawley is back with a great B52 concert review! If you remember, Wade wrote for us Punk music in the late seventies. Now read his new exclusive article for ManuelMarino.com! The B52’s, London Roundhouse It was on a hot and very sweaty summer night in London’s trendy Camden and a packed audience of all… . All of these musicals began as movies. Of course, there are also many movies based on books, such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, My Sister’s Keeper, and more. Even Lord of the Rings enjoyed its time as a stage musical.

The younger generation has also made its mark on the stage. Disney gained a foothold in Broadway with Beauty and the Beast and has since firmly established itself with The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Mary Poppins. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is an annual holiday show. Oh, and let’s not forget Shrek. Children’s theater has hit the big time.

Actors have also crossed over from stage to screen and back again. Ana Gasteyer, Amy Spanger, John Stamos, Chandra Wilson, Kristin Chenoweth, Alison Janney, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and others straddle the line, appearing at the Emmys, the Oscars, and the Tonys.

Why are there so many film-to-stage adaptations? Have writers simply run out of original ideas? I don’t believe so. I think it is largely influenced by the economy. In an effort to attract more people to Broadway, shows have been streamlined into recognizable formats with names that people can relate to. They know Alison Janney, John Stamos, and Chandra Wilson. Parents are more likely to take their children to see shows based on movies they grew up with and love. People are excited to see a musical based on a film, if only to see how closely it adheres to the original. It is easier to adapt a film to the stage because many of the ingredients have already been provided.

However, I believe it is more challenging to translate a film to the stage due to certain expectations. People can be quite critical when a beloved film is adapted for the stage. The same applies to books, but the visual element is removed. A character may not look the way you pictured them, but that was your interpretation, so you may be more accepting of it. With a movie, you have seen the character and heard the lines delivered in a certain way. You’re looking for that same delivery. It’s like a drug; you crave the same high you felt when watching the film.

Still, I believe that video titles can always exert an attraction on those who go to the theater due to the familiar and reassuring factor they possess. Even if you may not get exactly what you anticipated, at least you had some expectations to begin with. Taking a chance by going to see a movie that you haven’t heard about through other means can be risky. Occasionally, it’s worth taking the risk, but many people are reluctant to do so and prefer the comfort of a familiar seat.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME