Is Frozen Coming to Broadway?

This week on the Simon Morrisblog, I discuss the question on every movie musical enthusiasts lips right now; is Frozen coming to Broadway?

Frozen, Disney’s Biggest Smash Hit in Years

For any of you who haven’t seen Frozen, where have you been? It’s only the biggest movie musical animation smash since The Lion King. It’s grossed millions at box offices around the world, and inspired a cult following usually only gathered by the Star Wars and Harry Potter franchises.

Frozen is a Disney animated movie musical that reimagines the story of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Snow Queen. With names such as Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff lending their voices to the film, as well as one of the most infectious musical numbers in recent years (‘Let it Go’), it was always destined to become a colossal hit.

Disney’s Stellar Track Record on the Broadway Stage

So of course, ever since it was released, fans have been wondering when it would come to Broadway. This is a prudent question, considering the fact that Disney have transformed a number of their most famous movie musicals into bona fide stage hits.

Movies including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King have all been reinterpreted for the Broadway stage. The Lion King in particular has become a fan favourite, burrowing its way into the hearts and minds of theatre goers around the world.

Disney Director Speaks Out on Frozen Stage Adaptation

Now it looks like Frozen is set to do the same. In a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Thomas Schumacher, Disney Theatrical executive, announced he is currently putting the wheels in motion to make sure a stage adaptation of Frozen happens.

Schumacher confided that “I’m already talking to directors, and I have a design concept, and we have to begin to fashion this idea,” before emphasising, “it doesn’t need to be fast. It needs to be great.” He went on to say that “there’s something purely theatrical about the relationship between these two women [Elsa and Anna],” adding “you can see it.”

Counting Down the Days

You certainly can, and I have no doubt that he’ll put on a stage version of Frozen that will do its silver screen predecessor proud. So yes, a Broadway version of Frozen looks like it’s really going to happen. Now, I’m counting down the days until it hits the boards!

Read More

Lindsay Lohan in The West End

After Lindsay Lohan’s debut in the West End, I thought I’d take the time to look at how she did this week on the Simon Morris blog.

Even Simon Morris Occasionally Watches a Straight Play!

Whilst I usually prefer to head down on a sojourn to the West End for a day chock full of musical theatre, I sometimes wander off the beaten track and take in a straight play or two. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen The Mousetrap!

So of course, it was only a matter of time until I heard about the latest news rocking the UK’s theatre district. Lindsay Lohan is in Speed the Plow. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to see it for myself. That may have been a good thing, as the critics weren’t exactly bowled over.

What is Speed the Plough?

For any of you who don’t know, Speed the Plow is a play by David Marmet, which expertly dissects the American movie industry. It tells the story of what happens when a hugely bankable star agrees to feature in a sure fire hit; a dream come true for its producers, until their plans are derailed by temp secretary Karen.

It first debuted on Broadway in 1988, with the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, in the pivotal role of Karen. It is the role of Karen that Lohan is currently playing, in the current incarnation of Speed the Plough, which is being put on at the Playhouse Theatre in the West End.

What are the Critics Saying?

Marmet himself has said that he is proud of the effort Lohan is putting into the role, but what are the critics saying? Well let’s just say they’re not exactly universally praising her acting ability.

The Daily Mail’s Georgina Brown, for example has said that “it was more of an unfortunate prang than a total write-off.” Meanwhile according to the BBC, critic Mark Shenton has pointed out that at one point she forgot her lines, whilst theatre critic Quentin Letts commented that “Lindsay Lohan's acting is like that of a not specially gifted schoolgirl.”

Yet the same BBC article suggested that Lohan’s performance wasn’t a total car crash, as many had predicted. Fay Strang at the Daily Mirror suggested that Lohan "pulled it back after the incident with her lines, "showing she's a true professional."

It Really Could Have Been Worse

So from what the critics are saying, it doesn’t look like Lohan is winning an Oliver Award any time soon. However, I generally get the feeling that it really could have been worse. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, I’d suggest you check out the show now, while you can.

Read More

TONY Award Winning Musical to Close on Broadway

This week I want to take the time here on the Simon Morris blog to persuade you to see TONY award winning musical Once while you can, as it is due to close on Broadway.

The Story of a Dublin Street Busker Down on His Luck

Once is a stage adaptation of the movie musical of the same name, which was critically acclaimed and even won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2007.

Once tells the story of a Dublin street busker who’s down on his luck, and about to give up his dream. That is until he meets a beautiful young woman, who is suddenly enchanted by his haunting love songs. Yet as they fall in love, his music soars to new heights until he discovers she has a husband.

“An Unforgettable Story about Going for Your Dreams.”

Billed as “an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all,” in the press notes, Once opened to great critical acclaim on Broadway in 2012.

That acclaim carried it to victory at the 2012 TONYs, becoming the most awarded show of the New York theatre season, and even clinching the coveted Best Musical award. Furthermore, it secured the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Theatre album, and has gone on to spawn productions around the world, including in the West End.

Once to Close on Broadway in 2015

Which is why many musical theatre fans (including Once fan Simon Morris), were disappointed to learn that Once is closing on Broadway. According to Playbill, producers announced last week (Wednesday 7^th October) that Once will play its last show on 4^thJanuary 2015.

By the time the theatre doors well and truly close on Once, it will have played a staggering 1,167 regular performances on Broadway, as well as 22 preview performances. Despite the show closing on Broadway, however, it will still be playing at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End.

See Once While You Can

So considering how critically applauded the musical is, I think I have stated my case for why you should take the chance to see it on Broadway if you can before it closes. If not, then I’d highly suggest you go to see it in the West End.

Simon Morris

Read More

Nicole Scherzinger to Take Role of Grizabella in Cats!

With the recent announcement that Nicole Scherzinger will take on the role of Grizabella in Cats, I want to explain here on the Simon Morris blog why I think its inspired casting.

Nicole Scherzinger to Make West End Debut

According to the Independent, the former Pussycat doll has agreed to take a sojourn to the West End. She will be playing the role of Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Cats for a limited run at the end of 2014.

Of what will be her West End debut, Scherzinger said that “to have the opportunity to work with Andrew, Trevor and Gillian is a dream come true. I grew up listening to Andrew’s extraordinary music and was lucky enough, a couple of years ago, to record Cats’ beautiful song ‘Memory’.”

Does a Popstar Have Any Business on the West End Stage?

So is she right for the role? Let’s start with the elephant in the room. The uninitiated are probably thinking right now, ‘she’s a popstar, she has no business on a West End stage.’

Yet you read it for yourself, she’s already recorded the character’s (and the show’s) signature song. In fact, she has a musical theatre background, majoring in acting and musical theatre at Wright State University.

More to the point, she’s had experience, as she’s not only played the part of Velma in a production of Chicago, but she rose to the occasion when she took on the role of Maureen in a special production of RENT at the Hollywood Bowl in LA. Critically lauded, the latter was a resounding success.

Could Nicole Scherzinger Play Grizabella?

OK, so we know Scherzinger can hack it on a musical theatre stage, but is she specifically right for the part of Grizabella. I think she is, and it’s all to do with who Grizabella is as a character.

Despite her outward appearance as a past-her-prime glamour cat, complete with ragged worn out overcoat, black sequin dress and gold kitten heels, Grizabella is an outsider, just looking to be accepted and adored as she once was. Scherzinger’s own struggles, coupled with her penchant for glamour, mean she can identify with the character.

You Need to Find Something in the Character you can Identify With.

Ultimately, any successful actor will tell you that in order to pull off a part, you need to be able to find something in them that you can identify with. That’s why I think Scherzinger can pull off the role of Grizabella.

Read More

Five Underappreciated Musical Theatre Show Tunes

This week, I want to salute real musical theatre enthusiasts here on the Simon Morris blog, by listing what I believe are five underappreciated musical theatre show tunes.

We All Have a Show Tune That Made Us Fall in Love with Musical Theatre

Perhaps the reason I first fell in love with musical theatre, back when a mini Simon Morris was first watching actors tread the boards, is because I fell in love with a particular show tune, ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.’

I’d say it’s the same for many people. For all of us, there’s a show tune that defines us, and more, a show tune that defines a show – ‘Defying Gravity’ in Wicked, ‘Memory’ in Cats etc. That’s great and all, but it means that similar, just as good show tunes often get left in the dust in the minds of musical theatre enthusiasts, in their hurry to re-listen to their favourites.

Take a Listen to the Following Five Show Tunes

Which is why this week, I wanted to educate and inspire in equal measure, by directing your attention to five underappreciated show tunes that you’d really love, if only you took the time to listen.

1)      No Good Deed: It may not be as famous as it’s more well-known cousins, such as ‘Defying Gravity’ or ‘Popular,’ but ‘No Good Deed’ is a song that is easily one of Wicked’s best. Elphaba’s absolute disillusionment that litters the track is haunting, yet compelling for any viewer.

2)      Finale B: I don’t why this show closer was given such a non-descript name, because it’s a real experience to listen to. It expertly combines several lyrical refrains that have run throughout the  show to bring RENT to a resounding, yet effortlessly hopeful conclusion that’ll have you in tears every time.

3)      The Temple: In the adoration that usually gets poured liberally on solo pieces, ensembles often get left out of the mix, which is completely the case with ‘The Temple,’ from Jesus Christ Superstar. The sharp contrast between the protagonist’s anger at the largesse on display in the Temple and his utter despair as he is crowded with lepers he is unable to help once he escapes into the desert, will take your breath away.

4)      Waltz for Eva and Che: When you think of Evita, there are certain mind blowing tracks that come to mind – ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,’ Another Suitcase in Another Hall,’ Buenos Aires,’ etc. Yet one that never does, but should, is the fantastic ‘Waltz for Eva and Che.’ Coming close to the point where Eva dies, it’s a sizzling affair, which expertly examines whether Mrs Peron really was a saint or a sinner; not that it ever manages to answer the question!

5)   Whispering: Spring Awakening really is the modern – yet old fashioned – exploration of sexual awareness, with high octane numbers, but I would suggest one of its stand outs is the more sedate ‘Whispering,’ sung by the female protagonist, Wendla. Quite simply put, its heart breaking.

Which Songs Do You Believe are the Underrated Gems of the Broadway Cannon?

And there are the five underappreciated show tunes you should be listening to the minute you finish this article. Do you agree Simon Morris readers? If not, then which songs do you believe are the real underrated gems of the Broadway cannon?

Read More