2017.08.16
Another successful example of a British film being turned into a musical
" Les Misérables ", " Mamma Mia!" The trend of making big hit musicals into movies, such as `` Chicago '' and ``Chicago,'' is common. However, it is extremely rare for a typical feature film to be turned into a musical. However, if you were to focus on something that follows this same vein, the most recent one that comes to mind is the 2005 British film Kinky Boots .
The setting is Northampton, in the middle east of England. The story is about the protagonist, who is entrusted by his father with a men's shoe manufacturer that is on the verge of bankruptcy, and with the help of drag queen Lola, discovers a need that no one has noticed before and successfully turns the business around. This work is modeled after an existing, long-established manufacturer, and incorporates the British motif of "tradition and innovation" extremely boldly and skillfully.
Unlike ``Billy Elliot,'' which was made into a musical in the UK, the rights to ``Kinky Boots'' were purchased by an American production team, and the project was advanced. Eventually, a strong team of directors and screenwriters was decided upon. Finally, the search for a music director, who will determine the fate of this stage production, is coming to a close. Cyndi Lauper was moved by the film and readily accepted the position. This is the participation of a Big name who created an era and is a big name, as if he were a counterpart to Elton John in the stage play ``Billy Elliot.'' She used her wide range of musical talent to create pop tunes typical of Lauper, as well as funk, ballads, and tangos to color the story and the characters.
"Kinky Boots" preview
The production team continued to work together as one, and the production premiered in Chicago in 2012. The following year, in 2013, it made its way to Broadway and became a huge hit, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Song. Just like ``Billy Elliot,'' if you are a fan of the movie version, you should definitely expand your horizons and check out the stage version.
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of Japanese and overseas performances of popular musicals shown in movie theaters. CDs containing musical songs are also readily available. By experiencing these stage versions, you may be able to more dynamically convey the feelings of the characters familiar from the movie version. Compared to close-up images, the stage world has more space and depth. It is certain that through stage-specific episodes, musicality, or special production, you will be able to enjoy this exhilarating story world from more angles.
Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU
Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.
(c) Photofest / Getty Images
*Information as of August 2017 article publication.
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