Musicals that were huge hits on stage and flops on screen - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 06-14-2016, 07:48 PM

The Producers and Rent both come immediately to mind: both shows were box office record shattering phenoms on stage and on tour, both were made into movies, and neither movie made back it's relatively middle range budget in the theaters. (They may have in the back end.) Phantom of the Opera generated billions of dollars onstage and its film made a profit, but wasn't anywhere near the Titanic sized hit the studio was anticipating.

Can you think of any others that fit in this category?

And what do you attribute the audience not following it from stage to screen (where the tickets are much cheaper)?

MrCleveland · 06-15-2016, 02:41 PM

I heard The Wiz was great on stage, but on screen...it was criticized!

Also 1776 was great on stage, but flopped on screen!

And ironically...

William Daniels played John Adams in 1776...

And the school that was portrayed in Boy Meets World was also named John Adams High School, and Daniels also played the High School Principal George Feeny!...

I dunno if that's odd, creepy, or ironic?

Vahan · 06-15-2016, 04:53 PM

Are we even sure that the OP is referring to the recent film adaptation of The Producers, and not the 1967 version?

JamesG · 06-15-2016, 05:21 PM

Tom Cruise's Rock of Ages (2012) was both a commercial and critical bomb.

Regarding The Phantom of the Opera, the movie itself wasn't great at all but I loved the opening scene. It was epic!

Janice · 06-15-2016, 07:03 PM

Although I still love it, I used to be obsessed with the play, The Phantom of the Opera. I saw it four times onstage. To hell with critics, I loved the movie version. It's the sound track and the story that really get me. I listen to the CDs often.

James, you should see that chandelier rise up in the theater, so close that it feels like you can touch it.

visaman666 · 06-16-2016, 08:38 AM

I would have thought Mama Mia and Jersey Boys would have topped the list.

Liza · 06-16-2016, 03:06 PM

I wouldn't say they were flops, but Camelot, Into the Woods, and Les Mis were all HORRIBLE adaptations of fabulous shows.

06-14-2016, 07:48 PM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,925	Musicals that were huge hits on stage and flops on screen The Producers and Rent both come immediately to mind: both shows were box office record shattering phenoms on stage and on tour, both were made into movies, and neither movie made back it's relatively middle range budget in the theaters. (They may have in the back end.) Phantom of the Opera generated billions of dollars onstage and its film made a profit, but wasn't anywhere near the Titanic sized hit the studio was anticipating. Can you think of any others that fit in this category? And what do you attribute the audience not following it from stage to screen (where the tickets are much cheaper)?

06-15-2016, 02:41 PM	#2
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,234	I heard The Wiz was great on stage, but on screen...it was criticized! Also 1776 was great on stage, but flopped on screen! And ironically... William Daniels played John Adams in 1776... And the school that was portrayed in Boy Meets World was also named John Adams High School, and Daniels also played the High School Principal George Feeny!... I dunno if that's odd, creepy, or ironic?
	__________________ Thank God for kids that love Obscure Things. Lee Hazlewood (1929-2007) You ARE Special to God! Rev. Ernest Angely (August 1921-May 2021)

06-15-2016, 04:53 PM	#3
Vahan Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 14, 2008 Posts: 2,712	Are we even sure that the OP is referring to the recent film adaptation of The Producers, and not the 1967 version?

06-15-2016, 05:21 PM	#4
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,175	Tom Cruise's Rock of Ages (2012) was both a commercial and critical bomb. Regarding The Phantom of the Opera, the movie itself wasn't great at all but I loved the opening scene. It was epic!

06-15-2016, 07:03 PM	#5
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Although I still love it, I used to be obsessed with the play, The Phantom of the Opera. I saw it four times onstage. To hell with critics, I loved the movie version. It's the sound track and the story that really get me. I listen to the CDs often. James, you should see that chandelier rise up in the theater, so close that it feels like you can touch it.

06-16-2016, 08:38 AM	#6
visaman666 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 818	I would have thought Mama Mia and Jersey Boys would have topped the list.

06-16-2016, 03:06 PM	#7
Liza BestYearsofOurLives Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 24, 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 6,537	I wouldn't say they were flops, but Camelot, Into the Woods, and Les Mis were all HORRIBLE adaptations of fabulous shows.