"...the British film that was just named Best Picture at Sunday’s Academy Awards, could be headed to the stage. Several of the creators of the surprise Hollywood hit are in talks to adapt the film into a stage musical, featuring the Oscar-winning music of A.R. Rahman, who made his Broadway debut as composer of Bombay Dreams."
I really doubt this could work as a musical. The movie depends on constant flashbacks. You couldn't tell the story in a linear way.
Also India itself is one of the biggest characters in the movie. The camera darts in and out of the beautiful and ugly parts of the country. That's a lot of the movie's appeal, and it would be lost on stage.
Then there's the problem of casting an all-Indian musical. Need I remind anyone of the Hispanic-heavy ensemble of Bombay Dreams?
While not quite as bad an idea as a musical of Once, it's pretty close.
I remember going to the taping for a pilot TV show called "Jump the Shark" for VH1 (or Comedy Central, was it?) back in early 2006. It "jumped the sharked" before hitting the water. Oh boy.
Why? The movie wasn't even that good. I really don't get all the love for Slumdog. I liked The Reader a million times better. Not that I would want to see a musical of The Reader, yikes.
I'm not sure if there's any mention that the production is even slated for the states. Perhaps they are considering an India and UK production, where there is no lack of the appropriate ethnicity.
That being said....I'm not sure it would work on stage either...citing the already named reasons above.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Just because they are talking about it doesnt' mean it will happen. Doesn't mean it will come to b'way.
That "better" things could be made instead doesnt' make sense. Any group interested in adapting this is being FORCED to. They are going to want to. If it's crap, it will be hard to find producers to back it. Just because they make it doesn't mean it will happen.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
My initial reaction was; oh God no! Having thought about awhile, I think just 'no thanks' is good enough.
Call me culture deprived or whatever you want to label it, I didn't care much for the movie. So for me, ever seeing it on stage would be out of the question.
Yet, while I'm likely in the minority regarding the movie, I think I'm joining the majority with regard to the musical. I can't see it working. My own opinion is this; at some point we need to leave well enough alone and stop letting greed dictate every move we make. I know it's a business, but geez sakes - this is a highly regarded, very profitable movie and will remain such for the forseeable future. Why can't that be enough for once?
I love the movie but I don't think it would work well as a musical. Why not turn one of Rahman's other Bollywood works into a musical? I vote for Kisna, personally. :P
Jimmy, what are you doing here in the middle of the night? It's almost 9 PM!
Herbie: "Honey, Don't you know there's a depression?"
Rose: "Of Course I know, I Watch Fox News"
-(modified)Gypsy
Broadway Schedule
December 5th- Hamilton, On Your Feet
December 19th- Noises Off, Edith Piaf Concert at Town Hall