Musical Theatre That Changed The Industry
Look at musical theatre today and you’re going to see a few standout productions. However most, if not all of the biggest modern production owe their existence to the classics. We’re talking about the theatre that revolutionised the industry, changed entertainment, and shaped the world. These are the musical theatre productions that paved the way for everything that came afterwards.
Phantom Of The Opera
Talk about classic theatre and the name Andrew Lloyd Webber will almost certainly enter the conversation. Yes, the man was made of gold for a while, delivering classic after classic. Though, perhaps his most memorable production is the Phantom Of The Opera. Grand, sweeping, perhaps even a little melodramatic, the Phantom Of The Opera is truly a ground-breaking achievement.
What’s more is that the Phantom Of The Opera introduced a new wave of theatre to the world, ushering in copycat productions that weren’t afraid to shoot for the stars. Show the iconic most today and virtually everyone knows where it’s from, which pretty much says it all.
The Lion King
The Lion King is still in production to this day, having not missed a year since it was introduced. But then when theatre is this epic, utilising stunning costumes and incredible puppetry, it really isn’t surprising that the world is still in love with The Lion King.
One of the biggest achievements of the show was introducing the concept that puppets and actors could work together. Many shows have since borrowed the puppeteering idea, but none ever managed to achieve the same greatness seen in The Lion King.
The Producers
Of all the iconic theatrical productions on this list, The Producers is perhaps the most controversial. But then controversy is what sells these days, ask anyone that heads online to explore the mobile casino Canada prefers, only to find themselves swept up by a fake news stampede.
The Producers revels in dark comedy, flirting with highly controversial topics even as it brings down the house with outrageous comedic moments. Yes, this is satire at its finest, managing to get away with content that most other productions wouldn’t dream of touching.
Book Of Mormon
Speaking of controversial, the absolute smash hit Book Of Mormon probably wouldn’t have happened without The Producers. Though, while The Producers pokes fun at theatre culture itself, Book Of Mormon is a deeply satirical look at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Many have called Book Of Mormon offensive, though others insist that although crude, the production really does endorse the powers of love and selfless service.
Again, the comedy duo of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, most known for South Park, probably would never have dared produce Book Of Mormon had The Producers never been such a success. It just goes to show that the impact of something first staged in 2001 can still be felt in 2022. Though lest it be forgotten the Broadway musical The Producers was in turn based on a musical film, itself having been released in 1967.