Although it can be nice to watch movies at the theater, or on your television, this may not allow you to feel like you have a vested interest in the storyline. There may be a number of movies, both suitable for families and those that cater to an adult audience, that have been adapted for the stage. While some are more well-known, others can also provide you with some great entertainment, and even allow you to view the piece from a new angle.
Moulin Rouge
The 2001 movie, directed by Baz Luhrmann, proved to be quite a hit with viewers. Starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, it told the story of a Moulin Rouge dancer and a penniless writer, and how love could bring them together against all odds. For fans of romance and music, the Moulin Rouge (New York) showings could be something of a must. You may find that this presentation is suitable for those aged 12 and over, much like the movie counterpart. This may be mostly due to the themes present, such as mentions of sex and prostitution, that younger viewers may find confusing, and adults may deem inappropriate.
Mean Girls
Mean Girls originally graced screens in 2004, featuring a star-studded cast including Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried, and Tina Fey, who also wrote and directed the piece. Since then, the movie may have gained an almost-cult following, and is still found to be ‘so fetch’ today. Due to this, Fey and a team created a musical to be featured on Broadway. That musical first premiered on 31st October 2017 at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. While this may be recommended for those aged 10 and over, it may also be left down to parents’ discretion. However, it is important to note that some venues may not allow under 4s into their audience. This may mean that you either need to find a sitter for all, or some, of your children to be able to attend.
Anastasia
Anastasia was an animated movie, released in 1997, very loosely based on the Romanov family and the fall of the monarchy in Russia, with added magic and romance. While, in reality, the entire family perished, the movie follows the story of Anya (voiced by Meg Ryan), as she tries to discover who she really is. It wasn’t until 2016 that the Broadway musical had its premiere. The musical contains many of the songs from the movie, originally sung by Liz Callaway, as well as some new ones that families may love. Due to the nature of this show, Anastasia may be more of a family-orientated musical than others on offer.
Musicals can be enjoyed by those both young and old. Finding something that suits the ages and interests of your family may be tricky, but it is possible. Viewing live productions can help to inspire creativity and imagination, which may be important for your child as they grow. In addition to this, it can be a fun way to see some beloved stories reproduced.
