Pop Culture Movies That Became Musicals

Hello everyone! Welcome back to another segment of “Francesca Talking About Musicals Anytime She Can”. This week I’ll be discussing pop culture movies that became musicals. I keep a list like this handy for a few reasons. Most people I talk to are not into musicals at all. So, with this list, I associate something they know is already really cool. i.e. a movie, with something that they find less cool. 

Let’s just dive right in to number one! I’ll start with the oldest film which would be Beetlejuice. The movie released in 1988 and the musical released in 2018. For one month, it was off-Broadway in Washington, D.C. In March of 2019, it began previews at the Winter Garden theater before officially opening that April. One of the best things about the original film was the over-the-top funhouse theme. I was anxious to see how that would translate to a stage, and it did not disappoint. It lives up to every expectation and then some! The movie was quirky, a little bit raunchy, and tons of fun. All of those aspects are so palpable, even from the audience. Eddie Perfect wrote the music and lyrics for the show. He is either a really huge fan, or he did thorough research. It stays so well to the original source material and adds a few extra surprises along the way. The lyrics, oh my gosh, the lyrics are so clever. The opening number is titled “The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing”, and it gives you a good foreshadow that there are no bad songs in the show. Alex Brightman starred as the titular role. It’s truly impressive how he did the show eight times a week in a raspy Beetlejuice voice. Lydia Deetz was played by Sophia Anne Caruso, but at the show I attended, Lydia was played by Dana Steingold. Both ladies are phenomenal at playing Lydia. The show also starred Rob McClure, Kerry Butler, Leslie Kritzer, and Adam Dannheisser. Sadly, the show closed earlier this year.

Francesca’s Favorite Song: A tie between “Say My Name” and “Creepy Old Guy”

One year after Beetlejuice came out, Heathers came out. Another 1980s cult classic starring Winona Ryder, of course, it needs a musical adaptation. Because I have four more musicals to write about, I will only be discussing the off-Broadway production of this show with the original cast recording. Some of you reading this might be Riverdale fans and yes, they did perform songs from this show on an episode. The off-Broadway production was well received by critics and fans all over the world. The show has gained a cult following almost as much the movie. Much like Beetlejuice, Heathers stays very true to the original storyline. Barrett Wilbert Weed starred as Veronica Sawyer. Heather Chandler, Heather Duke, and Heather McNamara were played by Jessica Keenan Wynn, Alice Lee, and Elle McLemore. The role of J.D. was played by former Disney Channel actor/Broadway star, Ryan McCartan.

Francesca’s Favorite Song: “Candy Store” 

In 2001 Amélie opened in theaters and in 2017 Amélie opened on Broadway. To me, the story is very charming. I romanticized it when I was younger because the idea of living in Paris as a waitress in a small cafe was the only way to go. The musical version perfectly captures that essence. The opening number, “Times Are Hard For Dreamers”, could not be more accurate. A montage of Amélie leaving home to explore a new life in Paris with a whimsical song playing in the background? Sign me up. To top it off, the lead role of Amélie is played by Hamilton alum Phillipa Soo. Who is more charming than Phillipa Soo? No one is more charming than Phillipa Soo. Unfortunately, the show closed prematurely after running for less than a year on Broadway.

Francesca’s Favorite Song: “Times Are Hard For Dreamers”

If you liked Hairspray then you’ll love Catch Me If You Can. Marc Shaiman wrote both. This musical is based on the 2002 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Because the movie takes place in the 1960s, the music style obviously reflects that. If you didn’t get it from the music, the giant Pan Am airplane might be the giveaway for you. The dancing in the show is stellar. One of the main features is the ‘Catch Me’ girls who dance in most of the numbers throughout the show. They’re always on theme with their costumes, and every dance step is crisp like you wouldn’t believe. When I think about the movie, I always remember the story that Frank Sr. tells his son about the two mice who fell into a bowl of cream. One mouse drowns while the other swims around until he makes butter. There’s a song in the show called “Butter Out Of Cream”. I wasn’t able to see the show live, so I appreciate the writers taking the original material and sticking to it. As a listener who thrives on the visual, I’m able to hear a song and tie it to a scene in the movie. Frank Abagnale Jr. was played by Aaron Tveit, Carl Hanratty was played by Norbert Leo Butz, and Brenda Strong was played by Kerry Butler.

Francesca’s Favorite Song: A tie between “Live in Living Color” and “Jet Set”

This last one is, perhaps, one of the greatest movies of a generation. If you guessed the 2004 classic Mean Girls then you’re correct. Some might call it the Heathers of the 2000s, but everyone lives in the end. The most iconic and important scenes in the movie all have their own musical numbers. For example: “Meet the Plastics” and “Revenge Party”. I was able to see the show on Broadway, but when I listen to some of the songs I still have the movie scenes playing in my head. The OBC of this show is one of my favorites. It’s comprised of actors I love from other shows and actors I fell in love with because of this show. It had always been on my list of shows to see, and my goal was to see the OBC. I wasn’t able to see it when Taylor Louderman was still playing Regina George. When it was announced that Reneé Rapp was taking over the role, I never bought tickets so fast in my life. If you only take one thing from this article, let it be Reneé Rapp. She is a force to be reckoned with. The rest of the OBC includes Erika Henningsen as Cady Heron, Kyle Selig as Aaron Samuels, Barrett Wilbert Weed as Janis, Grey Henson as Damian, Ashley Park as Gretchen and Kate Rockwell as Karen.

Francesca’s Favorite Song: “Someone Gets Hurt” or “World Burn”

I hope you learned something new and I really hope that you check these shows out. You don’t have to become a huge fan, but the music for these shows is unlike what people perceive musical theater to be. It’s contemporary and fresh with a sound that appeals to all audiences.

As always, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @TheCinemaSpot, and if you’re looking to check these shows out here’s a handy playlist for you.