All tagged Waitress

Ten Best Musicals That Started as Films … and Three That Surprisingly Didn’t Make the List

Ten Best Musicals That Started as Films … and Three That Surprisingly Didn’t Make the List

Mark Robinson
Top Ten, Music That Makes Me Dance, Broadway Musical Musings

Nowadays, it has become the go-to fashion on Broadway to adapt films for the musical stage. Such movies asMoulin Rouge!, Back to the Future, and The Lion King have proven to be hits of this ilk. Most, however, have been terrible, pale replications of their screen counterparts. A handful, however, are truly amazing: artistic re-thinkings that improve upon their source material. This article is a celebration of the 10 best musicals that started as films … and three that surprisingly (for some of you) that didn’t make my list.

Bareilles Returns to Waitress with Creel In Tow

Bareilles Returns to Waitress with Creel In Tow

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

As the Broadway musical Waitress enters its third-year on the Great White Way, producers have a bit of exciting news to go with the anniversary. Sara Bareilles, the singer-songwriter who wrote the musical’s Tony-nominated score, will make her return to Broadway in the role of Jenna, a role she has tackled before. For the limited engagement that lasts from January 7 to February 3, 2019, the multi-platinum-selling Grammy and twice Tony-nominated singer-songwriter will be joined by Tony-winner Gavin Creel (Hello, Dolly!) in the role of Dr. Pomatter.  

Broadway Musical Mash-Ups: Combining Two Shows Into One

Broadway Musical Mash-Ups: Combining Two Shows Into One

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

To start, this article has no intention of being serious. I was just sitting in my car musing about how you could take two Broadway shows and splice them together into one evening of entertainment. This would certainly cut back on my ticket expenditures and double the amount of Broadway musical viewing I can afford each year. So, strap on your sense of humor, get in the mood for corny ridiculousness, and see how I mashed-up Broadway musicals currently running (or set to open) on the Great White Way. 

Why the Hate For Musicals Based on Films?

Why the Hate For Musicals Based on Films?

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

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: Waitress, The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Applause, Carnival!, Sunset Boulevard, The Full Monty, The Producers, Nine, Billy Elliott, Spamalot, Silk Stockings, Dogfight, Grand Hotel, Grey Gardens, Kinky Boots, A Man of No Importance, Promises, Promises, Shrek, 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? 

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