What Classic Film Should Be Adapted for the Stage? | Playbill

Polls What Classic Film Should Be Adapted for the Stage? This spring on Broadway sees the premieres of numerous musical adaptations of award-winning films, including Gigi, Finding Neverland, Doctor Zhivago and American in Paris. Playbill.com took to social media to see which screen classic readers would like to see adapted to the stage next.

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"What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?"

Josie Stomann: Oh my God – Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. I would LOVE to see that and it would only have two sets so would easily be done.

Matt Welch: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane

Psychological thriller "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" starred two Hollywood stage legends. The film tells the story of a former child star, played by Bette Davis, who torments her crippled sister, played by Joan Crawford. Set in 1935 in a decaying Los Angeles mansion, Davis brilliantly played the alcoholic and bitter Jane, who exacts revenge on her successful actress sister. The 1962 film saw Davis and Victor Buono nominated for Academy Awards.

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"Pretty in Pink"

 Aidan McKeon: Pretty in Pink

Starring 1980's film darling Molly Ringwald ("Sweet Sixteen," "The Breakfast Club"), "Pretty in Pink" tells the story of poor girl Andie Walsh, who must choose between a beloved childhood sweetheart or a rich playboy. The film has become an 80's cult classic and features several musical moments, including the opening, with song "Pretty in Pink" by the Psychedelic Furs.

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"Hocus Pocus"

Rob White: It's no a classic, but I know I’m not the only one thinking it…HOCUS POCUS

"Hocus Pocus" starred three stage actresses: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. The film  featured several catchy musical numbers including "I Put a Spell On You" and "Come, Little Children." A Facebook campaign to bring the musical to Broadway began in March 2013.

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"Goodbye Mr. Chips"

 Lisa Bragg: Goodbye Mr. Chips

The 1939 Oscar-winning film "Goodbye Mr. Chips" starred Robert Donat as Mr. Chips, aged Latin school teacher and former headmaster of a boarding school who recalls his personal life through the decades. It also starred Academy Award winner Greer Garson. It was based on James Hilton's novella of the same name. The film was adapted into a musical film version in 1969, directed by Herbert Ross, featuring music by Leslie Bricusse and John Williams, who were nominated for a Best Music Academy Award.  

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"Death Becomes Her"

Josie Stomann: I'd love to see Death Becomes Her. Hail Queen Meryl. 

The Oscar-winning "Death Becomes Her" starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis received mixed reviews but has become a 1990's cult classic. It follows the downward spirals of Broadway actress Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp, who drink an elixir that promises eternal youth. Their rivalry with one another and fixation on youthfulness reach deadly and epic proportions.

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"The NeverEnding Story"

 Diana Puertas: The NeverEnding Story. How cool would it be to have Falcor flying around the theatre?!

Wolfgang Peterson's 1984 film "NeverEnding Story," adapted from Michael Ende's beloved children's book of the same name, was a childhood classic for many who grew up in the 1980's. The award-winning sci-fi fantasy follows the adventures of Bastian into the pages of his mysterious book, and included magical rides atop a giant dog/dragon named Falkor. Seattle Children's Theatre presented a staged adaptation in 2007, as did Toronto's Roseneath Theatre in 2012. The latter received a New York premiere in 2012 at the Skirball Theatre.

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"Psycho"

 Anthony Nufrio Jr.: PSYCHO

There have been numerous stage adaptations of Alfred Hitchcock classics, including "Rear Window," "The Birds" and "39 Steps." His 1960 thriller "Psycho," which was nominated for four Academy Awards, is considered one of his greatest achievements but has yet to be adapted to the stage. Starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins, the film tells the story of on-the-run Phoenix secretary Marion Crane who checks into a remote hotel and is murdered in the shower. 

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"Rebel Without a Cause"

Sam Butler: A musical based on Rebel Without a Cause…I think it would be an awesome concept with the right creative team.

Nicholas Ray's 1995 cult classic "Rebel Without a Cause" was the film that shot James Dean to international stardom and solidified his image forever in American culture. Dean perfectly played the brooding, red-jacketed teenager Jim Stark, who brings his rebellious past to a new town and group of friends.  The film received an Off-Broadway stage adaptation in 2005 at the Lion Theatre.

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