So in each round, I have chosen a musical that I have seen both performed live and also as a movie. To decide which is superior, I will look at the appropriateness of casting, the interpretation of the plot, and the visual and design aspects.
HERE WE GO!
Annie (National Tour) vs. Annie (1982) vs. Annie (1999)
Let’s start with one of America’s most famous and beloved family musicals. This spunky and optimistic orphan has invaded our hearts whether we were first introduced to her on the stage or on screen.
Which Came First: The musical
Casting: The stage production I saw starred Marissa O’Donnell in the title role. I do have to say, vocally, O’Donnell is the strongest singer. She is also quite the polished young actress. Alicia Morton (Annie 1999) also has a sweet and powerful voice. Her timbre is more preferable to O’Donnell’s. Yet, Aileen Quinn, the star of the 1982 film adaption, takes the cake for her charismatic and heart-warming portrayal of Little Orphan Annie. No one can forget her grit when standing up to Miss Hannigan or her tenderness when comforting Molly. Furthermore, the 1982 supporting cast is arguably the strongest with legends like Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, and Tim Curry who do not fail to deliver. Although, the 1999 adaption’s star-studded supporting cast is also impressive, touting big theater names like Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Audra McDonald, and Victor Garber.
Interpretation of the Story: The stage musical and the 1999 film adaption both follow the same storyline and progression of events. The 1982 version does stray with additional characters and new songs. I hate how NYC and Something Was Missing are cut completely from the film. Worst, the most famous song Tomorrow is reduced to its 30 second reprise at the President’s mansion- which is blasphemy. Also, the added action at the climax of the film was a bit too intense for a family musical.
Visual and Design Elements: Unfortunately, the stage production fell short visually, possibly due to restraints of having to tour with the set. All the colors felt a bit too saturated. The 1982 adaption tries a bit too hard to be a blockbuster. Musical numbers are HUGE and almost overdone. I personally was not a fan of the grandiose finale with fireworks. It was a bit too campy for my tastes. I do like the realness you get from certain scenes though. The orphanage feels grimy and the girls are not polished in their dancing. However, I do prefer the subdued visual aspects of the 1999 film production. Choreography and blocking is neat and clever.
THE VERDICT: 1999 film
Les Miserables (2014 Broadway Revival) vs. Les Miserables (2012)
Based on the epic novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables tells the story of a man seeking to escape his criminal past in the midst of a French uprising.
Which Came First: The musical
Casting: Richard Crowe as Javert….this is a shoe in for the Broadway revival. Enough said.
Interpretation of the Story: Both musical and film did a spectacular job conveying the story. I did not feel like one did a significantly better job than the other.
Visual and Design Elements: The Broadway revival is visually stunning. The new costumes and sets are breathtaking. The barricade is quite impressive and the lighting and sound effects for attack scenes is tastefully done. Yet, the film does have a grandeur and realness to it. The barricade scenes could easily be ripped from any film on war or the French revolution. The settings are, though, what you’d expect from a movie.
THE VERDICT: Broadway revival
Cabaret (Williams College Theater Department) vs. Cabaret (1972)
Arguably one of the most important musicals in history that follows the fall of Germany pre-WWII through the lives of those at a particular cabaret.
Which Came First: The musical
Casting: It is almost unfair to compare the young girl who played the same role in my college production to Liza Minnelli, star of the film version. Liza is a legend and is splendidly annoying and aggravating as Sally Bowles. She is also a huge belter and gives life and power to every song she sings. Also, there are few who can top Joel Grey’s interpretation of the Emcee (except maybe Alan Cumming).
Interpretation of the Story: Unfortunately, though Cabaret scored plenty of Academy Awards and was even nominated for Best Film, I could practically sleep through the entire movie. The plot is dwindled down to revolve solely around Cliff and Sally, leaving out important subplots that really drove home the rise of the Nazi regime. The musical does a much better job executing this theme and definitely shows a greater sense of the decay of Germany. The musical also blurs the line between the events that occur in the cabaret and out of it, truly showing the connection between the two.
Visual and Design Elements: The film did not strike me with its visual design at all. Perhaps, I fell asleep and just didn’t notice.
THE VERDICT: The musical
Round Four: On the Town
On the Town (2014 Broadway Revival) vs. On the Town (1949)
A musical that is almost dedicated to New York City! Who did it better?
Which Came First: The musical
Casting: It is a hard decision to pick between the Broadway trio of Tony Yazbeck, Clyde Alves, and Jay Armstrong Johnson and the legendary gang of Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, and Jules Munshin. The competition between the leading ladies is just as difficult. Megan Fairchild and Vera Ellen (Ivy Smith) are both gorgeous and talented dancers. However, I do have to say that I have a soft spot for Old Hollywood stars.
Interpretation of the Story: The storyline is consistent between the stage musical and the film. I do have to say that Bernstein’s music for this show is not his best. Some songs in the stage musical, which stays true to Bernstein’s original score, were meh. The film’s deletions and additions were much more enjoyable.
Visual and Design Elements: You can’t have a New York film that isn’t shot on location. The film wins this hands down with actual scenes filmed around the city. Although, I do give the Broadway revival credit for this entertaining music video.
THE VERDICT: The film
Mamma Mia (Broadway) vs. Mamma Mia (2008)
This jukebox musical that features beloved songs from ABBA is a crowd favorite. Which version would you must want to sing along to?
Which Came First: The musical
Casting: The film features big name stars, namely Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan. Though not the best singers, they did a passable job, unlike the star-studded cast of Les Miserables. This is probably a rarely heard opinion, but I thought Amanda Seyfried was perfect as Sophie. It was a role that did not require intense vocals and she managed beautifully. Um, why can’t I remember who I saw in the Broadway production? That can’t be good.
Interpretation of the Story: The story is more or less the same.
Visual and Design Elements: The film easily has a leg up when it comes to visuals for the breathtaking ocean views are to die for. However, the Broadway production is truly an experience. The set is simple, but the dancing and energy of the audience makes up for it. It is acceptable to dance in the aisles during curtain call, but not so much in the middle of a movie theater.
THE VERDICT: Tie!