Here’s a guide to some of the best musicals that have made it to cinema screens.
Chicago (2002): Rob Marshall did an excellent job of transforming this worldwide popular musical from the stage to the big screen, thanks in part to the stellar cast that he put together as well as thanks to Bill Condon’s sharp and witty screenplay. The big dance numbers to songs such as ‘Cell Block Tango’ and ‘All That Jazz’ for example really dazzle from start to finish. This was a film that shows exactly how a musical should be brought to cinema screens.
Guys & Dolls (1955): Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons and Viviane Blaine all do a stellar job of bringing their characters to life in this joyful and colourful stage adaptation of Frank Loesser’s classic musical. This is a film that really showcases the idea of musical comedy on screen really well.
Hairspray (2007): this is a simply fun and hilarious adaptation of the musical that actually is still very important today given the way it explores themes of body image, racial discrimination and identity that will continue to resonate with audiences today. The musical numbers are endearing and filled with humour and the casting was completely spot on. A definite favourite of the modern musical screen adaptations!
My Fair Lady (1964): so much attention to detail was paid to this adaptation of the musical that it is difficult not to be impressed by the scale of it. From the set designs to the costumes, this feels a top class musical film from start to finish. The casting was sublime from Rex Harrison as Professor Higgins, Audrey Hepburn as Eliza all the way through to Stanley Holloway, everything about this film works exquisitely well!
In the Heights (2021): having loved the musical when I saw it on stage in London, this vibrant and heartfelt film adaptation of Lin Manuel-Miranda’s musical about community, hope, dreams and friendship works really well because it somehow manages to capture the intimacy of the original stage show. At the same time it feels even bolder on a bigger stage such as this and will leave you moved and with a smile on your face.
Wicked (2024): Part One: given the love of Stephen Schwartz’s musical based on Gregory Maguire’s novel and L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, it is no surprise this was one of 2024’s most highly anticipated releases. While having such high expectations can be dangerous, this adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu not only lived up to expectations but far surpassed them in his attention to detail during the big musical numbers. Meanwhile the casting of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as the central characters was a stroke of genius.
Mamma Mia! (2008): transforming many of ABBA’s biggest hits to fit into a story of family, friendship and love works really well. It is simply a sunny, funny and happy musical that works well on the big screen not only because of the worldwide appeal of ABBA but also the fact that sometimes we all just need a bit of escapism – which is what Mamma Mia! offers plenty of.
The Producers (2005): Mel Brooks, Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick combined ensures that this playful tribute to theatre works to hilarious effect in this musical reimagining of the classic 1960 film of the same name. If this is the closest that I get to experience Lane and Broderick as Max and Leo (who both performed the roles on Broadway) then so be it. Hilarious, with catchy tunes and memorable set pieces ensure that this is a fantastic film adaptation of the musical.
The Sound of Music (1965): it would be remiss not too mention one big screen adaptation of a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical and this is one that automatically springs to mind. Filled with warmth, humour and charm, The Sound of Music won’t fail to melt the hardest of hearts!
Grease (1978): while the film might have softened down some of the edgier moments of the Broadway musical, it is still plenty of fun from start to finish. Whether it is the musical numbers ‘Summer Nights’ ‘Greased Lightin” or simply re-getting to know the characters of the Pink Ladies of the T-Birds it remains a classic film.