Anyone else think some of these adaptations mean the end of our civilization?

Question

Okay...I get that most plays are adaptations. RENT is an adaptation of the Puccini Opera La Boheme (and it is amazing how much Larson looked like Puccini). Most Rodgers and Hammerstein plays are adaptations of non-musical plays or novels. Same with the books where Sondheim is lyricist.

I don`t have a problem with telling the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West as in Wicked or bringing The Secret Garden to life on stage.

But what is the value to theatre of bringing what was not even really a movie of lasting value -- Legally Blonde -- to the musical stage? Legally Blonde was spectacle and cheap laughs to start with and does not have any great theatrical value to begin with so why take up theatrical space with it?

Same with High School Musical -- it is fine for a touring company but why take up valuable Broadway space with it simply to make a quick buck?

If this keeps up everything on the American stage will be some schlock we could pick up on DVD at Wal-Mart. MORE.

Answer 1

You have some valid points, but remember, Theatre IS a reflection of our social values.

Sad to say.

In the so-called Golden Age of Drama in the Postwar 40's and 50's playwrights explored interpersonal, social and racial conflicts.

Talk shows do that nowadays. Who needs talented playwrights when Tyra and Jerry give you twisted plotlines every afternoon?

Show Business is, and has always been, a business. Do not excoriate the producers ( or The Producers, for that matter) for making a buck. If it don't sell, it closes.

Think about it. The vast majority of our beloved Crapocracy had never even heard of Mozart until Peter Shaffer wrote the wholly fictitious play Amadeus. Another brilliant work by Shaffer, Equus, is only in the public consciousness because Harry Potter has a nude scene.

Quality has never equated with revenue.

Just as with politicians, we get the Broadway shows we deserve.

Answer 2

Legally blonde is very inspiring and makes girls believe they can do anything and still be girly however i agree that high school musical is a waste of theatrical space hsm really does not have a message yeah i know its message is there shouldnt be cliques everyone should be friends but trust me the message did not get across to kids there will always be cliques

Answer 3

Anyone Can Whistle ... till the last curtain call.

Answer 4

Interesting - and I LOVE Legally Blonde. Dumb shallow girl turns out not to be so dumb or shallow after all. I like the premise. I found it funny and inspiring.

Theatre has variety - some is high art and some is just fun. I believe there's room for all of it.

IN the meantime, get busy and get your own material out there!