Blog Post:
Broadway shows have been a staple of the entertainment industry for decades, bringing joy, laughter, and tears to audiences around the world. Each year, new shows are introduced and some quickly become top grossing hits, drawing in large crowds and generating significant revenue. But how do these shows go from being revivals or adaptations to becoming original hits? In this blog post, we will explore the journey of some of the top grossing Broadway shows and how they became successful originals.
Revivals, or the re-staging of previously produced shows, have been a common occurrence in the Broadway world. Often, these revivals are of classic shows, such as “The Phantom of the Opera” or “Chicago,” that have already proven to be successful. However, in recent years, revivals have also been used as a way to revive lesser-known or less successful shows. This trend has led to the success of revivals like “Hello, Dolly!” and “Carousel,” which both became top grossing hits despite not being as well-known as their predecessors.
So how do revivals go from being successful remakes to becoming top grossing originals? One factor is the use of big-name stars. In many cases, revivals will cast well-known actors or actresses in leading roles, drawing in fans and increasing ticket sales. For example, when “Hello, Dolly!” was revived in 2017, it starred Bette Midler, a beloved and highly acclaimed actress, in the lead role. This casting decision played a significant role in the show’s success, as Midler’s name brought in a large fan base and generated buzz around the production.
Another factor that contributes to the success of revivals is the modernization of the show. While the original story and songs may remain the same, updates in staging, choreography, and costume design can give a fresh and modern twist to a classic show. This was seen in the revival of “Chicago” in 1996, which used a minimalist staging and incorporated elements of vaudeville and burlesque, making the show feel new and exciting.
In addition to revivals, adaptations of popular movies, books, or TV shows have also become a trend on Broadway. These adaptations often come with a built-in fan base, and if done successfully, can become top grossing hits. One of the most successful adaptations in recent years is “The Lion King,” which is based on the beloved Disney animated movie. The show has been running on Broadway for over 20 years and has grossed over $1 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing shows in Broadway history.
But how do adaptations go from being successful remakes to becoming top grossing originals? One key factor is the creativity and vision of the production team. When adapting a popular story or source material, it is essential to bring something new and exciting to the stage. This was seen in the adaptation of “Matilda,” which took the beloved book by Roald Dahl and added original songs and a unique staging to create a fresh and captivating show.
From Revivals to Originals: How These Broadway Shows Became Top Grossing Hits
Another crucial factor in the success of adaptations is the ability to capture the essence of the source material while still making it suitable for the stage. This was evident in the adaptation of “Billy Elliot,” which stayed true to the heart of the movie while adding original songs and choreography that brought the story to life on stage.
However, not all top grossing Broadway shows are revivals or adaptations. Some shows have become original hits, meaning they were written specifically for the stage and not based on any pre-existing material. These shows often take longer to develop and require a significant amount of creativity and talent to become successful. One notable example is the Tony Award-winning musical “Hamilton,” which tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton through a unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes. The show has been a massive success, breaking box office records and winning numerous awards.
But how do original shows go from being just an idea to becoming top grossing hits? One key factor is the creative team behind the production. The right combination of writers, composers, and directors can bring a story to life in a way that captivates audiences and generates buzz. This was seen in the creation of “Wicked,” which brought together a talented group of artists to adapt the popular book into a highly successful musical.
Another important factor in the success of original shows is the use of marketing and publicity. With no built-in fan base or recognizable source material, original shows rely heavily on marketing and word of mouth to generate interest and ticket sales. This was evident in the marketing campaign for “The Book of Mormon,” which used humor and controversy to generate buzz and attract audiences to the show.
In conclusion, from revivals to adaptations to original shows, the journey to becoming a top grossing hit on Broadway is not an easy one. It takes a combination of talent, creativity, marketing, and luck to capture the hearts and wallets of audiences. But whether it’s a revival of a classic show or a completely original production, the magic of Broadway continues to bring joy and entertainment to audiences around the world.
Summary:
Broadway shows have been a popular form of entertainment for decades, and each year, new shows are introduced. Some quickly become top grossing hits, drawing in large crowds and generating significant revenue. This blog post explores the journey of some of the top grossing Broadway shows and how they went from being revivals or adaptations to becoming successful originals. Factors such as the use of big-name stars, modernization of the show, creativity and vision of the production team, and effective marketing and publicity all play a significant role in the success of these shows. Ultimately, it takes a combination of talent, creativity, and luck to capture the hearts and wallets of audiences and become a top grossing hit on Broadway.