With uncertainty surrounding when theatres might be reopened, Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon selects a few musicals that she would love to see revived in London.
In the Heights: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lively musical might have only been last seen in London three years ago at King’s Cross Theatre, but it is certainly a show that has been badly missed. Set over three days in Washington Heights, it follows the stories of those living in the community and features brilliant songs including ‘96,000’ and ‘Everything I Know’. The combination of the characters, the story and music is just so appealing that it is always immensely enjoyable to watch. Such is its popularity, it has been transformed into a film that will now be released next year.
My Fair Lady: As one of the first West End musicals that I was lucky to see in 2001 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, this classic musical is certainly due a revival. Filled with humour and wonderful characters, My Fair Lady has plenty of class about it as Eliza strives to transform herself from a flower girl to a lady – with the help of the brusque Henry Higgins. It is also impossible not to fall for Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner’s gorgeous music and lyrics that are all so timeless.
From Here to Eternity: I always find it so surprising that critics were so harshly critical in their reviews for Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson’s musical based on the film. Having recently re-watched it through Broadway HD, I found it really refreshing and heartbreaking – in a similar way that Miss Saigon was. The music was powerful and varied, the characters were brilliantly brought to life by the cast and made for a wonderful adaptation. In my opinion, it had a much too short run and deserves to be brought back to the stage.
Oklahoma!: While it was last seen on stages across the UK in 2015, it would be lovely to see this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical on stage in London again – particularly given it was last on stage at the National Theatre starring a certain Hugh Jackman in 1998. It has some of the most memorable and catchy songs in a musical including ‘The Surrey With the Fringe on Top’ and ‘Oh What A Beautiful Mornin”.
West Side Story: Last seen at Sadler’s Wells in 2013, this classic musical based on the story of Romeo and Juliet is another one that is due for a London revival. With another film version due out soon, this is a musical that will always appeal to younger audiences and includes memorable songs such as ‘America’ , ‘Tonight’ and ‘Maria’. It is a heartbreaking piece of drama as much as it is a beautifully told story.
By Emma Clarendon
from News, Reviews and Features – My Theatre Mates https://ift.tt/3hhAQsX
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