Movie Musicals: My 2 Cents

“Another new column?” I can hear you saying.Well, this is the last one for a while and hopefully I’ll be back with a new movie to review next weekend. But in the meantime, this is “My 2 Cents,” basically an open forum for me to discuss my opinion on anything cinema.

So last week, I talked about some of my favorite movie musicals, ones that are a bit edgier or more realistic than the norm. This week, I wanted to conclude the theme of movie musicals by looking forward. What musicals do I think should make the transition from stage to screen?

Here is 'My 2 Cents' about movie musicals I’d like to see and, if production for a film has already begun, what I'd go watch.

"Next To Normal":

For those who’ve never heard of it, “Next to Normal” is a Pulitzer Prize winning rock musical, which opened on Broadway in 2009, nabbing the Tony for best score and for lead actress Alice Ripley.

It centers around the all-American Goodman family: mom Diana, daughter Natalie, son Gabe and dad Dan. But things aren’t as picture perfect as they seem. Diana is bipolar, constantly trying new doses of medications under the watchful eye of her psychiatrist and fluxuating between manic episodes and deep depression caused by a 20-year-old family tragedy.

“Next to Normal” is a rarity in the world of musical theater, a fully original story that’s as heartbreaking, intense and profound as any classic play. The music, too, is fantastic, including everything from ballad, country, pop and even punk.

To successfully make it into a movie, a filmmaker would have to find a right tone between the serious subject matter and the musical numbers, and perhaps a framing device like the music being in Diana’s head might work, but the material is strong enough to hold up on screen.

It could also be a tremendous star vehicle, a role incredibly meaty, brimming with both pain and strength. The kind of role I could imagine a younger Meryl Streep or Glenn Close tackling. Hmm, I wonder if Cate Blanchett or Toni Collete can sing…

"Into The Woods":

I’m surprised no one has yet to propose a film of the classic Stephen Sondheim fairly tale musical that goes way beyond “happily ever after.”

It skillfully weaves together the stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk along with the original tale of a childless baker and his wife. But the real magic behind “Into The Woods” is the way it goes beyond the fairly tale and explores what happens after everyone’s dreams come true.

Does Cinderella really find happiness with Prince Charming, or does she start to hate her isolated life and wandering husband?

“Woods” has a large ensemble cast that could accommodate some fresh faces and well known names and, with someone with an inventive eye behind the camera, it could really be a treat for the eyes and ears.

"In the Heights":

Arriba! No recent musical has been more innovative or infectious then “In The Heights.”

Written and originally staring Wesleyan grad Lin Manuel Miranda, “Heights” takes a fairly typical musical theater plot and turned it on its ears by infusing it with a Latino beat. Using hip-hop, rap and all sorts of South American music styles, “Heights” follows the residents of one street in Washington Heights.

There’s Usnavi, the friendly bodega owner who dreams of visiting his homeland of Puerto Rico, college freshman Nina, the first person in her family to go to college, and Vanessa, the headstrong hairdresser who catches Usnavi’s eye.

While the story can be a bit hackneyed and fluffy, it’s the rare kind of fluff I don’t mind. A film adaption is easy to see succeeding. It’s already set in a heightened reality, the kind of New York City where streets are always clean and, although people struggle with money, no one lives curbside.

So a film version, that can heighten the already colorful settings and characters, would seem to translate well. It would also give great opportunities for a slew of veteran Latino actors to strut their stuff in supporting roles.

I’d probably cast talented unknowns as Nina and her beau Benny but “Ugly Betty’s” Tony Plana would be perfectly cast as Nina’s strict father, as would “Modern Family’s” feisty Sofia Vergara as the gossipy hairdresser Daniela (well, only if she sings better than he “Modern Family” character.)

"Spring Awakening":

This would be the hardest film on the list to make into a movie, but also the one I’d love to see most.

“Spring Awakening,” an indie rock musical is based upon the 19th century German play of the same name, but thematic elements that are utterly modern. It follows the exploits of teens at a strict boarding school all struggling to understand their new feelings for the opposite sex and the unstopping stirrings in their britches.

What makes “Spring” so good, though, is the music. It sounds less like a traditional musical theater score and more like an indie concept album.

The stage show would be difficult to film, as the songs more comment on the story than further it. But the material is so rich and the score so rockin’, it might just work. And since many of the original broadway stars ended up on "Glee" (Lea Michele, Jonathon Groff and Jenna Ushkowitz), maybe it'll draw some attension to the project, which is as far from "Glee" as can be.  

"Cabaret":

OK, I know what you’re thinking, “Noah, there already is a film of ‘Cabaret’ and it’s a classic movie with Liza Minnelli.” I know, I know.

But despite it featuring classic performances and beautiful direction from Bob Fosse, “Cabaret” seems dated and not as fresh or dark as the stage show. I’d love to see a film version that captures the perverted spirit and energy of the 2008 Broadway revival.

In that revival, the Tuxedo-and-Rouge-wearing Emcee was replaced by a bisexual, leather-clad Emcee, who was more dark yet run-down. Both he and the Kit Kat Club have seen better days.

 “Cabaret” was always controversial material. Homosexuality, Nazis, abortions – oh, my. And I’m sure the ‘70s movie had to deal with such censorship issues, although it surely pushed the limits back then. But with a stylish director, who was wiling to push the limits, a “Cabaret” remake could be a big theatrical event.

I’d especially love to see Christian Bale as the Emcee, a role he could bring a serious, menacing energy too.