While the magic of live musical theatre transcends the screen (in my opinion), I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy seeing beloved musicals transferred on to the big screen- when they’re done right of course. So, I have put together a list of three must-see movie musicals that prove that screen can just be as powerful as stage.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Let’s start with a cult classic. Rocky Horror Picture Show follows the painfully sweet, innocent and hopelessly naïve Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) as they find themselves hesitantly captivated by transvestite and sex-symbol Dr Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) and his ‘friends.’ Based on themes of sex, and self-expression, will Brad and Janet be able to keep their innocence?
The film initially was seen as a failure, but then gained it’s success when members of the LGBT+ community started to resonate with the characters, who express themselves unapologetically, and embraced sexual liberation. It quickly obtained a “cult following” because of this, which in turn boosted the success of the stage musical, and it’s easy to see why. Although they tried to make the film more “mainstream” in 1975 (a time were the themes of the film were largely not encouraged) they did not hold back from the bizarreness of the musical. Everything from the costumes to the casting was spot on.
2. Grease (1978)
Arguably the most recognizable movie musical (or just movie in general) of all time, Grease revolves around the unexpected romance between two High School students- good-girl Sandy (Olivia Newton-John), and the greasy bad-boy Danny (John Travolta) in the 1950’s, along with their “gangs” the ‘pink ladies’ and the ‘t-birds.’
Despite receiving mixed reviews initially, Grease still became a huge commercial success, bringing in 387 dollars worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing movie musical of the 20th Century. I also couldn’t write about Grease without mentioning the soundtrack. Possibly the most well known soundtrack of all time, songs such as “look at me I’m Sandra Dee” and “Greased Lightnin” are still favourites today. In particular, “you’re the one that I want” became a chart topper worldwide, and in the UK it raced to the number one spot before the movie was released! Now, the grease soundtrack is a party favourite, played at weddings, birthdays and school discos- the light-hearted and fun soundtrack is bound to be listened to for quite some time.
3. Hairspray (2007)
In my opinion the most well done stage to screen adaptation of all time. Set in 1962, Hairspray follows a plus-size teen Tracy, as she books a spot on a dance show with only skinny and, most of the time, only white dancers. Determined to make a change, Tracy protests against racial segregation.
I’ve never seen the stage version of Hairspray, but if its anything like the film, I certainly would LOVE to. One of the factors that makes Hairspray such a triumph, is it’s ability to appear light-hearted and fun, whilst also tackling serious issues (such as racism and lack of diversity- including dancers who are people of colour and different body types). The high energy of the film remains throughout, with pristine choreography and upbeat, hopeful songs that fit the general tone of the movie- along with its two critics choice movie awards, its no wonder the film is such a success!
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