What to Bring Back to Broadway

With musical remakes of “SpongeBob” and “Mean Girls” on their way to Broadway, theater followers have reason to be both skeptical and excited about the 2017-2018 Broadway season. In addition to these new productions, shows including “Carousel” and “Once On This Island” have returned to the spotlight. In satisfying the demand for iconic and nostalgia-inducing hits, revivals play a key role in keeping the theater industry alive. With today’s ever-changing social and political climate, returning shows can take on a new meaning and reiterate the importance of issues that have now become prevalent. Here’s a selection of shows that would rake in audiences and convey powerful messages if revived on Broadway.

Next to Normal

2009

Written by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, “Next to Normal” ran on Broadway for two years and earned three Tony Awards, as well as the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Centered around a mother with increasingly severe bipolar disorder, the musical stands out by providing a raw and honest depiction of how an individual and those around him or her can be affected by mental illness. Showing a range of perspectives, from that of overachieving and neglected daughter Natalie to frustrated yet determined husband Dan, “Next to Normal” stands out because it allows audiences of all ages and denominations to see themselves represented on stage. Many audiences were also intrigued by the show’s many parallels to “Dear Evan Hansen,” the musical that won this year’s Tony Award for Best Musical. With the issues of mental illness and dysfunctional family relationships constantly growing in prominence, a “Next to Normal” revival would increase awareness surrounding these issues and also further touch on the importance of not romanticizing poor mental health and treating it like any other chronic illness.

A Chorus Line

1975/2006

An iconic staple of musical theater, “A Chorus Line” follows the story of 17 dancers auditioning for a spot in a Broadway musical. After winning the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1975, the production was later revived in 2006, and many believe that it is due for another return to Broadway. One of the longest-running and more well-known musicals, a revival of “A Chorus Line” would be received with significant enthusiasm from fans of classic musical theater and balance the ratio of classic to contemporary and current shows that are trendy today. Centered around a critical element of showbusiness, the audition, the show depicts a timeless struggle that all performers can commiserate with. With all the elements of a standard Broadway musical, “A Chorus Line” would spark a renewed enthusiasm for more traditional shows and tell a heartfelt and timeless story to its viewers.

In the Heights

2008

Years before Hamilton’s rise to popularity, another musical by composer Lin-Manuel Miranda gained attention after it opened in February of 2008. Telling the story of three days in the life of a close-knit Latino community in Washington Heights, “In the Heights” was given the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical. The production was criticized for its overly sentimental dialogue, but praised for its high energy and spirited score. The show also broke barriers by being one of the first major hip-hop musicals. In an industry that is dominated by tap dancing and big choral numbers, “In the Heights” stands out by bringing a different and exciting element to the stage. A return to Broadway could attract the attention of fans of “Hamilton” who want a show with a similar hip-hop influence. The themes of “In the Heights” are also especially relevant to the country’s current political tension. With many nods to the hardships and discrimination that surround the immigration process, a revival of “In the Heights” could speak volumes with its strong statements about issues that are extremely prominent in today’s society.

Heathers: The Musical

2014

Though never actually running on Broadway, the “Heathers” musical remake received considerable praise from audiences and fans of the 1988 cult classic film. The production’s dark yet humorous plot follows 17-year-old Veronica Sawyer, as she and her boyfriend accidentally murder the leaders of her popular clique in an effort to reduce her high school’s social tension. If finally given a Broadway run, the musical could rake in attention from younger audiences who yearn to see more representation of the high school experience on stage. With a catchy score and witty humor, the black comedy is sure to keep viewers entertained for a full two hours. Though the Off-Broadway production was positively received, many remarked that the show’s low budget resulted in an overly simple set design. A Broadway production of “Heathers: The Musical” would allow for a more dynamic set that would pair well with the other vibrant elements of the show, such as the soundtrack and heavily ‘80s-influenced costumes. Satisfying both lovers of the iconic film and teens that can relate to the show’s themes about the struggles of fitting in in high school, “Heathers: The Musical” is sure to be a hit if brought to Broadway.

Into the Woods

1987/2002

One of the many masterpieces of famed composer Stephen Sondheim, “Into the Woods” puts a dark spin on beloved fairy tales such as “Cinderella” and “Little Red Riding Hood.” Their whimsical storylines intertwine, as various characters journey on different quests through a threatening and mysterious forest and eventually team up to fight a murderous giant. Opening on Broadway in 1987, “Into the Woods” was later revived in 2002 and adapted into a film in 2014. Though the show has achieved large success on its many runs, many theater enthusiasts wish to see it make a comeback. Sondheim’s musicals are known for their fast-paced and tongue-tying scores, and “Into the Woods” is no exception. A notable favorite from the show is “Giants in the Sky,” a song that is known for being vocally hard to execute. If given a chance to make a resurgence, “Into the Woods” is sure to draw in those looking for a well-thought out musical with a story that is wild from start to finish.