A new trend in musical theatre is to use familiar music and use it in a musical where a new plot is created that will work with the familiar songs interwoven throughout the story. The most popular example of this type of musical is "Mama Mia", a story about a girl's wedding, where she may have three different fathers in attendance. It is the music of ABBA that keeps audiences toes tapping throughout this musical.
ALL SHOOK UP opened on March 24, 2005 at the Palace Theatre and features the songs of Elvis Presley. Although the story is about a young girl and a mysterious stranger in a leather jacket, the show is not an Elvis biography.
GOOD VIBRATIONS, a musical featuring the music of the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson, opened February 2, 2005 at the Eugene O'Neill theatre. Made up of a cast of young unknowns, this musical isn't a Beach Boys biographical journey, but instead, a story of the adventures of a group of small-town teens. Unfortunately, Good Vibrations isn't receiving rave reviews, despite it's high energy entertainment.
LENNON is the new musical that not only includes the music of John Lennon, but it is based on his life and his songs. Lennon previews from July 7-27 at the Broadhurst theatre with its official opening July 28/2005.
Also this spring, however, some musicals are coming to a close. Be sure to catch these ones while there's still time:
CABARET (closes April 10/2005)
A revival of the famous Kander and Ebb musical, CABARET opened March 24, 2005 and closes April 10, 2005. Most will remember the movie version starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey and of course, the show's biggest hit, "Cabaret".
FOOLS IN LOVE (closes April 9/2005)
Although this musical is based on Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", the music is hardly what one would expect, including numbers like Twist and Shout and Duke of Earl.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER (closes April 10/2005)
This musical, based on the fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea", is performed by adults but for children. It's limited run, by the Hudson Theatre Ensemble is from April 2/2005 through April 10/2005)
JABU (closes April 9/2005)
This new musical comedy opened on February 26/2005 at the Flea Theatre. JABU utilizes many different performance art forms including slides, video, puppetry, circus and musical theatre.
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