Movies based on musicals are nothing new, they've practically had their own genre since the '30s. But the sad truth is not everyone can afford a ticket to New York and certain touring productions are often very hard to access for most people. With the recent screen version of Hamilton being such a success, it's high time other members of the medium got some attention.
Filmed versions of The Lion King, Spamalot, and Hairspray are all well and good, but what about those strange and unusual beings that don't get the same attention? Whether they flopped, floundered, or just had freaky subject matter, there are some seriously underrated classics out there.
Carrie: The Musical
When it comes to failed Broadway musicals, few resemble that term better than Carrie: The Musical. Based on the Stephen King book of the same name, the musical adaptation was a complete and total bomb. That being said, it's still an interesting concept.
For starters, the stage version takes more from the book than most of the movies, portrays a more relatable Carrie, and explores the themes in a more expressive medium. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?
Beetlejuice: The Musical
Although it's supposedly already getting the Hamilton treatment, Beetlejuice: The Musical needs some serious recognition. Though it takes a more comedic stray from the source material, it's a Burton fan's dream. This unique take on everyone's favorite bio-exorcist is truly something twisted to behold.
This adaptation is definitely a few shades darker, but that's kind of a good thing. Beetlejuice absolutely chews the scenery, and even the mortal cast gets a few howling laughs. Simply put, more people deserve to see this.
The Grinning Man
An honorable mention, but this wicked West End macabre musical is incredibly haunting and beautiful. Based on Victor Hugo's The Man Who Laughs, this freaky fairytale uses puppets, special makeup, and circus acts to tell the tragicomic tale of Grinpayne, who bears a smile permanently carved in his face with a mysterious past.
The entire show is like a demented Monty Python routine, equal parts horrifying and hilarious. It's definitely an odd duck, but a great alternative to something like Phantom.
Avenue Q
This show has been brought to you by the letter R. Don't be fooled by those fuzzy puppet faces, Avenue Q is a far cry away from Sesame Street. Essentially an adult version of the Jim Henson TV show, dealing with adult problems and issues like racism and pornography.
The show has a remarkably large fanbase, and a screen adaptation would definitely garner the show more attention. Although, it might have to be incredibly censored due to the show's gratuitous adult content.
Children of Eden
By far the tamest show on this list, Children of Eden is simply one of those musicals that should have worked but received surprisingly lukewarm reviews. Brought to audiences by Stephen Schwartz, the man behind Wicked's music, this musical version of the book of Genesis is too often overlooked.
On a core level, this could be considered a prequel to Schwartz's Godspell. And with the popularity of musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and The Prince of Egypt, one would think this one would be more of a hit.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Although it's already based on a musical film, the only thing this production has in common with the Disney version is the soundtrack and the title. While Disney's name and logo are associated with it, The Hunchback of Notre Dame takes a lot more from the original novel than one might first think.
It's dark, it's gothic, it's moving in more ways than one. With all the talk of live-action remakes and the desire for this film specifically, why not adapt the stage musical instead?
Assassins
Ever want to see a musical about shooting the president? Because that's entirely the theme of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. Logically, it's easy to see why this musical would be insanely hard to adapt to the screen, whether as a filmed production or a motion picture.
When the "heroes" of the production include the likes of John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald, it's bound to get a few unsavory reactions. That all being said, the musical offers a rather unique point of view and perspective on American history.
Clue: The Musical
Those expecting something akin to the movie will be in for a bit of a shock. This musical is a bawdy black comedy inspired by the board game involving a mansion and a murder loaded with one-liners, sharp jabs, and various suspects.
It's hilarious murder-mystery with over 200 possible endings, thanks to the game's nature. But there's no reason a film version couldn't go the way of the 1985 film and offer different cuts of different endings. Either way, the possibilities are endless.
Hadestown
A Tony-Award-winner with a phenomenal following, Hadestown has more than a sterling reputation. With that in mind, a post-apocalyptic vision retelling the myths of Orpheus and Euridice and Hades and Persephone doesn't exactly sound like an average day on Broadway.
The sad truth about the musical is that despite its acclaim, it flew under the radar for many musical fans, forcing them to rely on the soundtrack for exposure. A tale of romance, myths, and heartache, this one needs a screen version yesterday.
Starlight Express
If one were to compose a list of Broadway musicals that would be insanely difficult to put to film, Starlight Express would easily be a contender for the number one spot. Film and stage technology have both come a long way since 1984, so a more technically-sound adaptation could be possible.
While it might be stuck in the '80s, that might work in its favor for today's nostalgic crowd. Considered by many to be one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most underrated projects, the musical has been in dire need of a revival for years.