6 Broadway-Bound (We Hope!) Movie Musicals We Can't Wait For
By Brookelynn Mason
Legally Blonde: The Musical taught us that sometimes musicals based on movies can be AWESOME. Keep your eye on these 6 Broadway-bound (we hope!) musicals that are already underway!
Magic Mike
If this prequel takes Broadway by storm one day soon, you might want to come to the theater with a rag to wipe the sweat from your brow. The score is being written by Tony Award-winning songwriters Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (If/Then, Next to Normal). There are some names you might recognize from the November 20th reading: Christopher Jackson and Jon Rua, who you might know better as "George Washington" and "General Lee" (weee!)...you know, from a small show known as Hamilton? Ooooh yes. Anyone else perking a brow at how our two modern major generals fit into the Magic Mike narrative? Hmmm...
Mean Girls
Before you assume this will turn out like Mean Girls 2, let's just get this out of the way: Tina Fey herself is involved with this stage adaptation (!), and that can only mean one thing: great success. Though no theater has been announced yet for the premiere, we know that the show is set to take the stage in Washington, D.C. sometime in the Fall of 2017. Although Tina Fey joked about Broadway not seeing the musical until "2027, whenever Hamilton closes", we hope that isn't the case! If you're a fan of the Mean Girls movie, keep your eyes peeled. If you're lucky enough to score tickets, remember: always wear pink on Wednesdays.
Beetlejuice
This Warner Brothers production is set to take Broadway for the 2018-2019 theater season. The story of a recently deceased married couple trying to haunt the new owners of their home out is already far-fetched and dramatic--add the bio-exorcist whose vulgar and over-the-top parlor tricks completely shake the whole thing up, and you've got yourself the makings of a night of side-splitting hilarity. Although not much is known about the creative team, we do know that director Alex Timbers (a YesBroadway favorite) is attached to the project. He is currently working on the Public Theater's production of Joan of Arc: Into the Fire.
Who doesn't want to see this scene live on stage?
Freaky Friday
Another Kitt/Yorkey score and based on a book written by author Bridget Carpenter? Yes please! This film was a favorite of the early 2000s (pre-Lindsay Lohan meltdown), and arguably more successful than its 1976 counterpart. It follows the story of a mother and daughter who, because of their lack of communication and fragile relationship, end up having their bodies switched by a set of presumably magical fortune cookies at a Chinese restaurant. It's both hilarious and heart-warming, and the D.C. premiere at Signature Theater was a hit. Although Disney currently maintains that this show is not intended for Broadway, we are watching closely and holding out hope that they change their minds--after all, this show just extended its run at the La Jolla Playhouse! Something else to be excited about for this musical? It features plus size women in lead roles. #BodyPositive
The Devil Wears Prada
Who can forget Meryl Streep's riveting performance as the demanding fashion magazine editor, Miranda Priestly? Well, a Broadway version is on its way, and we are STOKED! Even though a cast has not been announced, one name on the creative team is sending our brains into overdrive with excitement: Elton John. You know, the musical genius behind shows like Aida (which he won a Tony for for Best Score) and The Lion King? Oh yes. HIM. This music is sure to blow the roof off the theater. Is anyone else excited to see a Miranda Priestly dance number? Maybe some sultry ballad that bursts into a high energy jazz tune? There's not a timeline for the show yet, so keep your eyes on this one and be prepared for another Elton John hit!
Frozen
Ah, yes--the movie that brought Idina Menzel back to the forefront of our minds for two straight years while little girls sang "Let it Go" on repeat. The show is set to hit Broadway in Spring 2018. However, if you're in the Denver area, you don't have to wait a year to see this show--it starts pre-Broadway premieres August 17, 2017 (this year!) at the Buell Theatre. Though no Broadway casting has been officially announced, an early reading of the musical was done by Betsy Wolfe (Elsa), Patti Murin (Anna), and Okieriete "Oak" Onaodowan (Kristoff). Too excited to see this show when it hits? Watch this video featuring super talented people help satiate you until then!