The 2021 Musical Movie Comeback

Have you seen all the musicals that are coming to “BIG” screen? Or at least one of the many streaming networks available? The musical movie has come back with a vengeance and it makes my heart sing! Stick with me and I will share what movies you can expect to see.

Do you remember watching musicals as a kid? Were they with certain people? Around special holidays? Do you have any specific or favorite memories attached to watching them? I can answer all of these questions with a resounding YES, as I am sure many of you can. Being exposed from an early age has really provided me a lot of sentiment regarding musicals that I am certain feeds my love of all that is hokey, happy, sad, hopefel and everything in between when it comes to musicals! Giving a huge shout out to my mom for that!

A Stroll Down Memory Lane….

The first musical I remember watching is probably Sound of Music. I swear it was on like every holiday when I was a young kid, or so it seemed. Since it was one of my grandpa’s favorites so we watched it whenever it was on. Now don’t get me wrong, we did complain about it from time to time, but it brings me joy now as I think of my grandpa sitting in his spot on the couch, filing his nails and watching with delight.

I remember watching West Side Story and being shocked and saddened by the hate. My dad moved to the states from Puerto Rico with his parents in the 1950s so this story hit me in all sorts of ways. Every time I watched I wondered, with a heavy heart, if this was how my family was treated. We loved this show so much, my younger sister and I performed ‘America’ in our elementary school talent show, emulating as much of the dance number that we could.

Grease was an extended family favorite. We would watch together with our cousins, aunts and uncles while having singalongs. This was so fun, especially having so many wonderful singers around! We watched it with the kids last year and I found myself laughing at how much of the content was definitely not-so-kid-friendly and definitely went over our heads as kids!

We absolutely LOVED watching Jesus Christ Superstar and introducing it to our friends. It became our Easter anthem when we got older and it is tradition that we watch every year. Belting the songs out with our mother just might be my favorite of all the memories. Since her passing over 10 years ago, we have honored out tradition. I think it is what makes us feel close to her on the holiday.

As I write this, dozens of amazing memories come over me with a flood of emotion. Newsies, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Mary Poppins, The Music Man, Annie, Babes in Toyland, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, and so many more provide so many memories and this is just from watching the movie adaptations.

Carrying the Banner

All of what I have described is what I really hope to pass on to my children. Now that there seems to be a Renaissance of the movie musical, I am excited to share with them. Maybe one day they will find comfort in the memories they have from watching musicals too!

Regardless of whether my kids do or don’t see all these shows, I could not be more excited to have musicals to look forward to. watch! So what, pray tell, should you expect to see?

IN THE HEIGHTS
*Release Date: June 11
*Watch in theaters or HBO Max

Fist to hit the screen is this incredible and Tony Winning Broadway show was Lin Manuel’s original masterpiece. This celebration of life is the perfect way to kick off the summer! The story is about the hopes, dreams and lifestyles of a predominantly Hispanic community that lives in a block of Washington Heights. It appears the movie adaptation incorporates Dreamers, which keeps it relevant. Being Puerto Rican proud, I am so happy to see the Latin community being represented in such a big and fun way on screen.

Did I mention the added bonus that the lead is played by Anthony Ramos? If you are a Hamilton fan, you will recognize him from his incredible performances as John Lawrence and Philip Hamilton. You will also see some other familiar faces from Hamilton popping up.

I had the good fortune to be able to see the traveling Broadway version of this show years ago and was really impressed by the lyrics, story and dancing. It is perfect for screen and I cannot wait to see how this show will be transformed into movie!

If you want to get your energy pumping for what is to come, check out this link for the opening scene released by the creators.

COME FROM AWAY
*Release date: September 10
*Exclusive to Apple TV

Everyone must see this show! This will be a recorded stage production versus a movie adaptation. Come From Away is a show based on true events that occurred after the 9/11 attacks when 38 planes carrying about 7,000 passengers were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. The nature of the show brings about a few tears but is far from dark and sad. The focus is on how the tragedy brings people from all different races, religions, ages and circumstances together as well as the efforts of this small community to help when called upon. We could really use that type of kindness right about now, don’t you think?

You can read my review of the Broadway show here.

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
*Release Date: September 17
*Premiering on Amazon

Multiple webites report the show as the following:

Inspired by true events, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie follows Jamie New (Harwood), a teenager from Sheffield, who dreams of life on stage. While his classmates plan their livelihoods after they leave school, Jamie contemplates revealing his secret career ambition to become a fierce and proud drag queen. His best friend Pritti (Patel) and his loving mum (Lancashire) shower him with endless support, while local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle (Grant) mentors him toward his debut stage performance. But Jamie also has to contend with an unsupportive father (Ineson), an uninspired careers advisor (Horgan), and some ignorant school kids who attempt to rain on his sensational parade. In rousing and colourful musical numbers, Jamie and his community inspire one another to overcome prejudice, be more accepting, and to step out of the darkness into the spotlight.

CINDERELLA
*Release Date: September 3
*Premiering on Amazon Prime

A modern live action musical version of the tried and true Cinderella story is coming this fall. Singing sensation Camila Cabello will be making her acting debut along side some pretty legendary performers in the musical theater world! From what I have been reading this will have a bit more modern spin.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN
*Release Date: September 24
*Premiering in theaters

I cannot contain my excitement over this musical movie release! The theatrical version was ah-mazing and I can see it adapting very well to a movie. The relevant themes of this show touch on depression, loneliness and feeling like an outsider as we follow Evan Hanson’s struggles as a high school senior that suffers with mental health issues. After a tragedy rocks the community, we see how it effects him, the school and the family. I truly believe that EVERYONE can relate on some level which is why it is such a powerful and well received show. And the fact that Ben Platt, the Tony Award winning actor for this show, will be reprising the title role for the screen is a win for everyone!

I highly recommend this for adults as well as to watch with your children as long as you are comfortable with the topic of suicide.

Click here to read my review on the stage production of this show.

DIANA: A NEW MUSICAL
*Release Date: October 1
*Premiers on Netflix

Like Come From Away, this musical movie is a recorded stage production starring the original Broadway cast. The show is about the life of Princess Diana. If you are obsessed with the Royal Family, this show is for you!

WEST SIDE STORY
*December 10
*Premiers in Theaters

This movie has me on pins and needless! As I mentioned earlier, this original movie has had a huge impact on me. Having recently watched it, I can say the original movie is indeed dated. I can certainly understand the desire to modernize it. It’s exciting to see a modernized version, but, as a die hard fan, I am nervous about the changes to songs and story. I just hope that it remains true to itself because it has such potential.

if you are unfamiliar with the plot, it is modern day Romeo and Juliet story. The rivalry exists between two gangs of New York and the love struck couple are on different sides. Bring your tissues.

ITS A WRAP!

At the end of the day, the Broadway musical movie is making a comeback and I am here for it! Hamilton kicked off the resurrection last summer, followed by The Prom. Now 2021 is running away with it. Luckily, there does not appear to be any slowing down. A litany of shows are in talks or preproduction: Little Shop of Horrors, Mean Girls, Miss Saigon, 13, Matilda, to name a few. I would love to know…….Which shows are you dying to see?