Monday 26 September 2016

Sky’s Musical Corner – Musicals Based on Books


There are lot of musicals out there, who are based on books. So here is a selection of these shows. Have you read any of these books?! Or seen the shows?!

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo


Based on one of my favorite books of all time, the 1862 classic by Victor Hugo, in 2006, "Les Miserables" officially became the longest running musical in London's West End history. The original French version of the musical opened in 1980, but soon closed because of budget shortages, even though audiences loved it. In 1985, the Royal Shakespeare Company put on the first English production. Revolving around the themes of revolution and redemption, "Les Miserables" has been seen worldwide in dozens of languages.

I have actually read the book a while ago, but I must say, I prefer the musical version. I guess it’s just easier to understand and I’m a big musical lover, so I like hearing the lyrics, seeing the acting on stage, it’s another way of telling the story. Les Mis is one of my all time favourite musicals, the songs are amazing and it’s full of emotions.

Matilda – by Roald Dahl


Matilda the Musical is a stage musical based on the children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. It was adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. The musical's narrative centres on Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life. After a twelve-week trial run staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) at Stratford-upon-Avon from November 2010 to January 2011, it received its West End premiere on 24 November 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre and its Broadway premiere on 11 April 2013 at the Shubert Theatre.

Matilda is such a great book, I love Roald Dahl. The musical is even better!!! Seeing all these kids on stage, performing, having fun and so talented, it’s amazing!!!

The Phantom Of The Opera by Gaston Leroux


The Phantom of the Opera is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart with additions from Richard Stilgoe. Lloyd Webber and Stilgoe also wrote the musical's book together. Based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, its central plot revolves around a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius.
The musical opened in London's West End in 1986, and on Broadway in 1988.

I have finally seen this show last year and loved it! I have seen to movie before and I love the music, so it was a must see!

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens


Oliver! is an English musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.
It premiered in the West End in 1960, enjoying a long run, and successful long runs on Broadway, tours and revivals, after being brought to the US by producer David Merrick in 1963. It was made into a musical film in 1968.

This one has a very special place in my heart. I read the book in high school and then we did the show ourselves a few years later. I remember constantly rehearsing, but also watching the films and reading the book again. The musical is a bit different than the book when it comes to storyline, but it’s still a FAB show!!!

Wicked by Gregory Maguire


"Wicked," "the untold story of the witches of Oz," is based upon the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, which parallels L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz." The story follows the friendship of Glinda, the good witch, and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and what transpired before Dorothy dropped in and started causing trouble. In 2003, "Wicked" opened in New York and quickly became a favorite among Broadway buffs, winning three Tony awards. Success birthed tours across the U.S. and productions worldwide. More than three million people have seen this play that imagines the lives of two "misunderstood" characters.

This is an example, where I didn’t know the book before, I just went to see Wicked on the West End and fell in love with the musical. The effects, the songs, the costumes, the story and so much more. This is also one of my all time faves.

Of course I could have talked about more oft hem, but these five I have actually seen on the West End and they have a special place in my heart. 


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