On Broadway, it appears that the trend of the past couple years is making hit movies into staged musical productions. While some movies have certainly made the jump better than others, there is no denying that this seems to be the fad of the moment.
So, rather than complaining about the lack of originality, let's look at 10 films that haven't been turned into musicals, but should.
Of course, as I have not seen every movie in existence, this is not so much a definitive list of the movies that need to be brought to the stage, but rather just a helpful list of films that would definitely seem to make a splash if they were ever given their time to shine on one of New York's hottest streets.
So, without further ado, here are 10 movies that should be Broadway musicals.
[new page = Wild Wild Life]
10. True Stories
This is a long shot if ever there was one, but having just watch David Byrne's strange, inspired little musical, it's hard not to imagine what the possibilities it could bring to the stage. If anything, it could give the chance for The Talking Heads to produce some more killer musics, which would always be welcomed.
Those unfamiliar with the movie should at least watch this scene and imagine its Broadway potential:
[new page = Canned Heat]
9. Napoleon Dynamite
Now, this is probably nobody's first choice, and it isn't even mine. But, consider the possibilities here. Napoeleon Dynamite, while certainly past its prime, is a movie filled with uniquely wonderful characters and inspired set pieces. Which, in turn, is a large factor in making a musical work.
But, beyond this, given the lack of plot the movie enduringly has, there is a lot of wiggle room here to make this movie not just a rehash of the original film, but into something interestingly its own, while still appealing to the fans of the original movie. I'm not saying it's going to happen anytime soon, but I think maybe it should.
Also, how great would this scene be on Broadway:
I'm just saying.
[new page = The Dude sings]
8. The Big Lebowski
Considering not just the cult following of this movie, but the numerous conventions and marketing materials that have come out of this movie, it seems out that a musical hasn't been done for The Big Lebowski. Even a bad one. But, nevertheless, The Dude has never gotten to touch the stage, which makes for a possibly outlandish transition from cult film to Broadway musical a not-to-unbelievable possibility.
If anything, this scene should be fairly inspired in its Broadway adaptation:
[new page = A song for a mog]
7. Spaceballs
Having brought not one, but two of his most popular movies to Broadway (The Producers, Young Frankenstein) to much acclaim and success, it would seem like making Mel Brooks' cult favorite Spaceballs next would not be too hard to believe. While currently not Brooks' best work, it does have more than a few inspired characters and punchlines, and should currently find an audience if his other two adaptations could.
Plus, there is no denying that they would probably make good use of this scene:
[new page = Dancing shoes]
6. Step Up/Honey
Am I cheating here? Yes, but for good reason. While neither of these movies are good by any real stretch of the imagination, that hasn't stop Broadway before. They were able to turn Newsies into a hit, Tony-winning musical. With that in mind, it is not too hard to believe that these dance-centered movies could make for an inspired Broadway hit just like Bring it On did.
Especially Step Up, which is just Dirty Dancing for a different generation anyway. Which, for the record, just got a Broadway adaptation of its own. Perhaps, based on its success, a Step Up musical would follow?
[new page = Singing secrets]
5. Almost Famous
Of course, any movie that resolves around a band or music is prime material for a Broadway musical. But, perhaps a little more than most movies of this kind, Almost Famous has demonstrated that it has the potential to be remembered more than just for its soundtrack, but for its enduring characters and likable story.
Throw in some more original songs, perhaps some unique backdrops and a book filled with more modern day references, and this should be a hit in the making.
Plus, how could this not turn into a wonderful musical sequence:
[new page = The Man of Constant Sorrow]
4. O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Anyone who knows me should not be surprised that I have included not one, but two different Coen brothers movies onto this list. But, perhaps more than any of their other movies (except maybe Inside Llewyn Davis), this seems like one that would be a perfect fit. It easily has one of the best film soundtracks in some time, plus its memorable characters and sunny South background should make for a toe-tapping experience in New York.
Plus, this scene seems destined to hit a Broadway stage:
[new page = Zero to Hero]
3. Hercules
Considering how many movies Disney has turned into musicals already, it is odd that this one has been tapped yet. But, sure enough, perhaps because it not the most successful or memorable Disney movie by a good mile, Hercules has yet to be turned into a staged musical. Which is odd, considering that it seems almost perfect for one. More so than some of the movies they have already turned to musicals, at least.
Just this musical number alone should be a crowd pleaser:
[new page = Go to Eleven]
2. This is Spinal Tap!
As great of a musical as Almost Famous, This is Spinal Tap seems like an even better choice for the stage. Considering how many fans the movie has, in addition to its simple backdrops and its wonderful script and characters, this is a movie that practically demands to be a musical.
After all, how could this NOT be turned into a number?
[new page = Blame Canada]
1. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut
With as much success as Trey Parker and Matt Stone have had with their Tony-winning musical The Book of Mormon, it is odd that no one has even at least approached them about turning this into a musical. With a killer soundtrack and a message that is just as true today as it was when it first came out, it is a movie that, even if Parker and Stone didn't earn Broadway cred, should have been turned to the stage anyway.
After all, it is practically a Broadway musical anyway, just in film version. Anyone who doesn't believe should just watch Robin Williams bringing "Blame Canada" to the stage at the Oscars:
If anything, this song alone is practically screaming to be on Broadway anyway: