7 Broadway Musicals Begging for a Live TV Special
Chicago
This killer musical already got the big-screen treatment — with Oscar-winning results, no less — and now it’s time to see Velma, Roxie, and all that jazz on our TV sets. The stage show would be surprisingly easy to adapt: The set design is simple, and the talent pool is vast. (Everyone from Sofia Vergara to Chandra Wilson to Todrick Hall has appeared in the Broadway revival.)
The Phantom of the Opera
Given the popularity of this horror-tinged romance — now in its 20th year on Broadway — we’re surprised one of the Big Four networks hasn’t tried to mount it on TV yet. Sure, the subterranean lake and the plummeting chandelier might be production nightmares on live television, but where there’s a will in Hollywood, there’s a way.
Wicked
We have been changed “For Good” ever since we first saw this unique take on the classic Wizard of Oz tale, a musical that just celebrated its 15th year on Broadway with a live TV special. That was just a tease, though: We want Elphaba and Glinda defying gravity on our screens, and yes, we want Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth to reprise the parts.
My Fair Lady
Wouldn’t it be “loverly” to see this classic musical get the TV treatment? The latest Broadway revival of this comedy of manners scooped up 12 nominations at this year’s Emmys, so public interest is at a high. Plus, we could all use a refresher course in proper enunciation from one ‘Enry ‘Iggins.
The Producers
Like its show-within-a-show, Springtime for Hitler, this Mel Brooks musical was a smash hit, winning a record 12 Tonys. We certainly wouldn’t mind Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick reprising the roles of Max and Leo, but they also appeared in the 2005 film, so maybe it’s time for fresh faces!
Hamilton
We couldn’t not mention Broadway’s hottest ticket. It’ll likely be a long time before Lin-Manuel Miranda’s record-breaking musical slums it on TV. But PBS’s recent documentary, Hamilton’s America, is a sign a full televised performance might “Blow Us All Away” sometime soon.
After the success of live TV versions of such Broadway musicals as Grease and Jesus Christ Superstar, more are coming!
FOX is developing Rent: Live and ABC is prepping Hair Live!, so it doesn’t seem like the trend of live TV musicals is going anywhere. Luckily, the Great White Way is a treasure trove of hit productions ready to make the leap to the small screen.
Click through the gallery above for some we’d love to see televised.
