AVMBP - Days Nine & Ten

Day Nine: Favorite book-to-screen adaptions

Day Ten: Free Day

     I just decided to combine these last two days together, because all the musicals I love, I have never read the books before!! And as for a free day, I'll give my 5 favorite musical facts.

1.) Sarah Brightman as Christine Daae

Steve Barton as Raoul and Sarah Brightman as Christine
in the original 1986 production of "The Phantom of The Opera"

      When Andrew Lloyd Webber was writing the musical "The Phantom of The Opera" he used his wife (at the time), Sarah Brightman as the inspiration for Christine Daae. Sarah was eventually given the role and unexpectedly set the standard for every Christine Daae in regards to her hair. In the book, Christine had long blonde hair, but Sarah had her trademark curly brown hair and kept it that way for the role and ever since the premiere 1986 performance, Christine Daae has always had long curly brown hair.

2.) Brothers

L-R: Michael Gruber as Munkustrap, John Partridge as Rum Tum Tugger
and Jacob Brent as Mistoffelees in "CATS" (1998)

      In "CATS" three of the main male characters are all brothers. Munkustrap the storyteller is the oldest, Rum Tum Tugger, the rebel is the middle and Mistoffelees, the magician is the youngest. After finding out this fact, I watched the 1998 movie production and suddenly the relationship dynamics between all three throughout the story made sense!

3.) Bridal Inspiration

     The 1954 musical film Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was the inspiration for the 1968 television show Here Come the Brides, starring Bobby Sherman, Robert Brown and David Soul. The show starts shortly after the end of the Civil War and three brothers who are former lumberjacks make their way to male dominated New Bedford, Massachusetts to start a new logging company. To keep the the company running, Jason makes a deal with the the shady sawmill owner to get 100 marriageable women to New Bedford and stay there for a full year. The show only ran for 2 seasons, but from what I've heard, it's hysterical! My sister own both seasons and I'll start watching the show soon.

4.) 15 min. of Fame

     Andrew Lloyd Webber's first hit production, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was originally only 15 min. long. "Joseph" is one of Webbers most beloved shows because of its retelling of a favorite Bible story that remains accurate and respectful while livening it up with well written songs, enjoyable humor and incredible dance numbers. Webber was also genius in the way he used various styles of music in the show, from western to Rock and Roll. 

5.) My Fair Lady...or Queen

     Julie Andrews was the first Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical production of "Cinderella." Prior to putting on the glass slippers, she was playing Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady." Both Rodgers and Hammerstein were impressed with her portrayal of Eliza and were anxious to have her as their first Cinderella. Julie was 22 years old when she played in the televised musical and was a resounding success with all audiences.