Apparently, Rebel Wilson is joining the cast of a film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Cats” that’s coming next December. She’s joining Ian McKellen, Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, and other famous and not-so-famous singers for the film.
Personally, and I say this as a lover of all things musical, I hate “Cats.” I will never understand for the life of me why it has lived this long. Most things by Andrew Lloyd Weber seem to be out of my interest zone, like “Phantom of the Opera.” The plot is slow and the music is just boring, similar to “Cats”. But, at least “Phantom of the Opera” is about humans.
While they may not be everyone’s favorite, musical films, especially Broadway adaptions, are just fun. And, as a film lover, it’s nice to have a movie (or three) that you can look forward to months, or even years in advance. When you already know the plot and songs, it’s like you already have a new favorite movie waiting for you.
Plus, there is a musical for everything. “Mean Girls” the musical is on Broadway right now, and “Beetlejuice” the musical just finished its run in Washington, D.C. and premieres in Broadway in April (and it’s amazing, I’ve seen it). Even if you don’t think you’re a fan of musicals, there is one for everyone. If you can find one you like, musical film adaptions can be your new best friend.
If you also hate “Cats” but love musicals, maybe we can look on the positive side by talking about the other Broadway to film adaptations we have to look forward to in the near future. That way we won’t have to think about “Cats” for a while.
1. “In the Heights”
Latest news article about the film
The Tony winning musical written and starring Lin Manuel Miranda (who also wrote and starred in “Hamilton”) is set to come out in June of 2020. It’s about the residents of Washington Heights, a neighborhood in Manhattan, and the events that occur during a couple of days in their lives.
Best Song: “Breathe”
2. “Be More Chill”
Latest news article about the film
“Be More Chill” debuted in a small theater in New Jersey a few years ago. After it gained a cult following, it opened off-Broadway and then, a couple months later, was sent to Broadway and got a movie deal. It’s about Jeremy, your average high school nerd, who decides to implant a computer in his body that will tell him how to be cool.
Best Song: “Michael in the Bathroom”
3. “West Side Story”
Latest news article about the film
Does this one count? Originally a musical film from 1961 starring Natalie Wood, the Broadway show is getting the remake treatment. A reimagination of “Romeo and Juliet,” Tony and Maria are from opposite sides of the city and their friends and families are rivaling gangs. Obviously, the two fall in love.
Best Song: “Tonight”
A good resource for all musical news, Playbill.com has a whole page dedicated to upcoming musical movie adaptions.
Samantha Foxx 