With the recent one-year anniversary of Broadway’s closure, theatre lovers have been optimistically looking towards upcoming musical-to-film adaptations to see them through this tough time. These films bring the magic of Broadway into the homes and local movie theaters of fans in a medium that is exciting, and more accessible to those of different socio-economic and regional backgrounds.
This magic is especially valued now, as creatives have been forced off the stage due to COVID-19 health restrictions and fans are missing the feeling of being in the theatre.
Upcoming adaptations include:
In The Heights
Based on the Tony and Grammy award winning 2008 production by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes, the film will star Anthony Ramos, a frequent participant in Miranda’s works, as Usnavi. Supporting roles will be played by an assortment of theatre and non-theatre actors, with highlights such as Olga Merediz who will reprise her Tony nominated performance as Abuela Claudia. The reception by theatre fans for this film has been unparalleled in excitement and support for the summer release on July 11th, 2021.
Dear Evan Hansen
This Universal Studios/Marc Platt musical-to-film adaptation is based on the 2017 “Best Musical” written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It will star Ben Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, reprising his Tony-winning role as Evan Hansen. The star-studded supporting cast includes Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Kaitlyn Dever, and more. As the list goes on, some theatre fans have felt hesitant about the ever-expanding ensemble of characters that did not exist in the original musical, but are nevertheless hopeful. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the film is in production and set to release on September 21st, 2021.
West Side Story
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film is a remake of the 1957 Broadway musical by Leonard Bernstein and Steven Sondheim and its 1961 movie adaptation. The starring role of Maria will be played by 19 year old Rachel Zegler who was cast straight out of high school, and whose stunning vocals that have captured the attention and hearts of theatre fans. The supporting cast has lots of representation from Broadway performers, as well as Rita Moreno, the original Anita of the 1961 film. The new and final release date is December 10th, 2021.
It will be a joy to see these three musicals, and more, on the big screen very soon, especially during a period of time that makes one nostalgic for seeing them on stage.
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