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Why the Hate For Musicals Based on Films?

Why the Hate For Musicals Based on Films?

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

In the last ten years or so, there have been a great many musicals opening on Broadway that are based on movies. I have also noticed a wave of disgust for these adaptations, people citing that we need more original story ideas. Though I often find myself frustrated with the results of these adaptations, I can’t necessarily say that I am opposed to musicals being the basis for a Broadway musical. After all, we have received many quality musicals that were based on films: Waitress, The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Applause, Carnival!, Sunset Boulevard, The Full Monty, The Producers, Nine, Billy Elliott, Spamalot, Silk Stockings, Dogfight, Grand Hotel, Grey Gardens, Kinky Boots, A Man of No Importance, Promises, Promises, Shrek, and Woman of the Yearare all fine examples. So, why all sour faces and crinkled noses (mine sometimes included) for the influx of musicals based on films? 

Broadway Showtunes that Share a Title

Broadway Showtunes that Share a Title

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

This might seem like a ridiculous subject for a piece about Broadway showtunes, but the more I thought about it, the more fascinated I became by the subject. In songwriting, there is no copyright on titles, so titles can repeat. I can sit down and write a song about Broadway and remembering fondly, then title it “Give My Regards to Broadway.” As long as the music and lyrics are different, it is perfectly acceptable (and legal) to do so. This got me thinking: what showtunes are there that share the same title? It turns out, there are several. Here is a sampling of some that I found.