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Three Movies That Should Be Adapted For The Stage |
Article Submitted by: Mike Shaw
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
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Movie-to-stage adaptations are becoming more commonplace. Which other films would work well on the London stage? The glittering world of theatreland has been infiltrated by a seemingly never-ending parade of screen-to-stage transfers. Some of these new London shows—like Sister Act—have worked out rather well, others are a bit more questionable. For example, did The Shawshank Redemption really need to be copied and pasted onto the stage? No, probably not; rewatching the DVD with small curtains attached to the sides of your TV would have achieved a similar effect. Since it appears to be open season for adapting any old idea to the West End stage, it seems only right to make a few suggestions. 1) Dunston Checks In Providing someone in an orangutan costume plays the eponymous primate to dodge possible animal rights issues, Dunston Checks In could be a smash-hit show. Families from all around the country would book themselves a London theatre break just so they could boast at the school gates "we saw Dunston On Stage last weekend". With animal antics, cute kids and PG rated laughs aplenty, it's a wonder that nobody has already picked up on the potential of Dunston. You see, the brilliant thing about Dunston Checks In is good old-fashioned slapstick. There's not enough slapstick on stage these days; everything is just a bit too clever, too edgy, too polished. The antidote? A wily (and criminally-inclined) orangutan causing mischief. No music required, Dunston can handle a straight adaptation. 2) Con Air Imagine, you've booked yourself tickets for the current 'must see' London show, you're not local so you've coupled it with a London short break. You've been waiting for months, anticipation steadily building and eventually that special moment arrives. The curtains roll back and a large cast all dressed in orange jumpsuits burst into song, led by Daniel Boys starring as Cameron Poe (Nicholas Cage's character). Ben Elton (who else) would write an incredible book for the show and since most of the movie is set on a plane, the set would not be much of a challenge. All of the film's most famous quotes would become instant classic West End showtunes and the musical translation of "Put The Bunny Back In The Box "would feature on every London show compilation album made between now and 2054. The violence might have to be toned down a little bit but it's okay, we can replace all fight scenes with dance battles. 3) Moulin Rouge! How/why this amazing movie has not already been adapted into a West End show is a mystery. A stunning soundtrack, charming characters, incredible costumes and heart-warming story, are all the ingredients for the next Wicked or Hairspray; yet there's not been even a hint of an adaptation for London theatre. Suitably over-the-top sets would be no challenge at all, the likes of La Cage Aux Folles and Priscilla Queen Of The Desert have proved that beyond doubt. Costumes? Nothing to difficult to worry about there; corsets, diamonds and top hats aren't exactly hard to come by in Theatreland. The only real challenge for this particular adaptation would be casting. The divine Nicole Kidman and upsettingly handsome Ewan McGregor would certainly be a hard act to follow but the West End has no shortage of talent. Ruthie Henshall as Satine and perhaps Lee Mead as Christian? Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
Show and Stay's theatre breaks allow you to book tickets to the West End's best shows and then stay the night in a London hotel. London Shows include Dirty Dancing, The Lion King and Mamma Mia to name a few.
Customers can visit Show and Stay for further information.
Show and Stay's theatre breaks allow you to book tickets to the West End's best shows and then stay the night in a London hotel. London Shows include Dirty Dancing, The Lion King and Mamma Mia to name a few.
Customers can visit Show and Stay for further information.
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