The Rise of the Next Movie Musical Superstar

With 2015 set to be American actress Anna Kendrick’s year, this week on the Simon Morris blog I want to explore the rise of the woman who I believe is the next movie musical superstar.

A Kid with a TONY Award Nomination

Believe it or not, a young musical theatre enthusiast by the name of Simon Morris first became familiar with the work of an even younger Anna Kendrick way back in 1998.

That was the year she received her first credit on Broadway performing in 90’s musical High Society. Her performance was such a hit that not only did she bag a Theatre World Award, she clinched a nomination for a TONY Award.

The Year Kendrick Becomes a Bonafide Movie Musical Star

Since her turn on Broadway, her career has shot into the stratosphere. She caught the attention of global audiences when she starred in the Twilight Saga, and has developed a career in movie musicals with productions such as Pitch Perfect. She even scored a US chart hit with ‘Cups (When I’m Gone)’ – a track from the musical comedy flick.

Now it appears as if 2015 is the year that she’s going to become a bonafide movie musical star. By the time the year reaches its end, Anna Kendrick will have starred in three movie musicals.

Three Movie Musicals in One Year

Anyone who’s anyone knows that Kendrick is set to feature as Cinderella in Into the Woods. A favourite among Sondheim fans everywhere, the film – which is due to be released this Christmas – is sure to prove a hit with audiences across the world.

Yet there are two more movie musical projects starring Kendrick that are slated for a 2015 release. The first is a film adaption of 2002 Broadway production The Last Five Years. This critically acclaimed two person show is a hard mountain to conquer, and the fact that Kendrick has been tapped to climb it indicates that those whose opinions matter consider her a talented musical theatre performer.

Meanwhile, the sequel to Pitch Perfect is also scheduled for a 2015 release. Considering the popularity of the film – how it opened up the genre to people who would normally loath everything musical theatre – I have no doubt it’ll be everywhere in 2015.

Anna Kendrick Will be Everywhere

Just like Pitch Perfect 2, Anna Kendrick’s movie musical performances will be everywhere in 2015. If that doesn’t sound like the next movie musical heavyweight to you, I think you might need to ask your nearest and dearest to buy you a new dictionary this Christmas!

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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!

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