Has this been done before??

[DavidMegg]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 1:42am

I was making a mix-CD for a friend tonight and I was wondering if ever before someone created a musical in the same fashion?
Meaning... they had a solid book/story and took various existing songs (be they musical theatre/pop/rock/etc) to supplement the story. And I'm not speaking of something like Mamma Mia, whose source is all ABBA, but rather just different and random songs.
If so, I surely can't think of a show like this. Granted, getting all those rights and then should it be good enough to be nominated for awards, that'd be a lot of nominees, but......
Just wondering.
Thanks!
david.

Posted: 11/12/03 at 2:20am

Play On! A musical using jazz standards to re-tell Twelfth Night.

[bob8rich]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 4:13am

There have been shows like this - such as 125th Street, Forbidden Planet, etc. - as well as those using a collection of songs by well known songwriters (We Will Rock You - Queen, Tonight's the Night - Rod Stewart).

But the entire concept of shows with no original score is anathema to me. In musical theatre the lyrics of a song should be an extension of the dialogue, advancing the plot, revealing aspects of character, etc. and written to fit a particular moment in a play. Using existing songs cannot do this. A musical should be a work of art that blends song with drama/comedy - not purely a vehicle for producers to generate revenue by using "hit" songs that have no place in musical theatre.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 7:15am

BIG DEAL used misc. pop songs from the 1930s.

[jakebloke]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 7:51am

Moulin Rouge...for the screen anyway.

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 10:21am

the Bob Fosse musical BIG DEAL used classic American songs. For that matter, his musical DANCIN used non original songs as well.