Theatre Productions: The Long-Running Musicals of All Time
Just like other forms of art, acting is a way to communicate an experience. However, when it is blended with music, dance, and song, you can expect a masterpiece that is even more enhanced by the immediacy, presence, and physicality of the entire performance. All these are best understood when taken in the light of some of the best plays throughout history.
Les Misérables. This musical was composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg. Considered the longest-running production in the world and the third in Broadway, it first opened in London in October 1985. It was patterned after a 1962 novel by Victor Hugo. Its entire ensemble of characters included factory workers, student revolutionaries, and prostitutes.
The Phantom of the Opera. Based on the book Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, the main plot is about Christine Daaé, a beautiful singer who became the obsession of the story’s mysterious and deformed musical genius.
Chicago. The setting of this stage play was Prohibition-era Chicago. It is a satire that depicts how criminal justice is corrupted and how this period gave birth to the celebrity criminal. In 2002, the film version earned an Academy Award.
Mamma Mia! Two former members of ABBA, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, were behind the development of this show. In fact, its plot was built on the songs of this world-famous group. Also, a movie adaptation came out in theatres in July 2008.
Miss Saigon. Patterned after the opera Madame Butterfly, it is a tragic story of the ill-fated romance between an American soldier and a local bar girl in Vietnam. In October 1999, it closed after over four thousand performances.
Grease. Set in the 1950 United States, it is about the working-class subculture of the youth of this day. It showed how teenagers handled all the complexities of cars, love, and drive-ins. Aside from these, it also tackles social issues like adolescent sexual exploration, friendship, gang violence, as well as teenage rebellion and pregnancy. Its sound is a recreation of rock and roll.
Evita. Revolving around the life story of Eva Perón, it showed her early life, her ascension to power, her philanthropic works, and her death. The production was actually an offshoot of the success of the rock-opera concert album with the same name. Since then, it had made numerous tours worldwide.
Oliver! Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, this musical enjoyed many performances and revivals. It stands out for its revolving stage design, which was made by Sean Kenny. Also, because of the fame of this show, it was able to help a good deal in the careers of the child actors who starred in the play.
Indeed, big things start from small efforts. So if you are a theatre enthusiast and an entrepreneur who wants to know how to launch a small yet beautiful production, you can browse here for informative resources on how to finance and start up your venture.
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