All tagged Musical

Why the Hate For Musicals Based on Films?

In the last ten years or so, there have been a great many musicals opening on Broadway that are based on movies. I have also noticed a wave of disgust for these adaptations, people citing that we need more original story ideas. Though I often find myself frustrated with the results of these adaptations, I can’t necessarily say that I am opposed to musicals being the basis for a Broadway musical. After all, we have received many quality musicals that were based on films: WaitressThe Band’s VisitDirty Rotten ScoundrelsApplauseCarnival!Sunset BoulevardThe Full MontyThe ProducersNineBilly ElliottSpamalot, Silk StockingsDogfightGrand HotelGrey GardensKinky BootsA Man of No ImportancePromises, PromisesShrek, and Woman of the Yearare all fine examples. So, why all sour faces and crinkled noses (mine sometimes included) for the influx of musicals based on films? 

"Another Hundred People"

It's always mysterious to me how an orchestrator can tells stories by musical instruments. It takes a special kind of ear and talent to emphasize emotion, time, and place using musical instruments to heighten the experience already created by the composer and lyricist. One of the most stimulating examples of this are the original orchestrations for "Another Hundred People" in the Stephen Sondheim musical Company.