Open for Tokyo Oompa Loompas
Or a Wicked Sweden trailer, we have it all
Good morning (or afternoon) world!
Welcome to the latest edition of the Broadway DNA bi-weekly newsletter! In pulling the latest global theatre headlines for you, I try to balance what I think a predominantly Western commercial theatre readership might value: what titles are successful, where, by who, and why? Some of the how, the nuts and bolts of licensing and producing, I dip into in asides mixed in with the news. Natalie-isms, if you will. Whether you're a producer, educator, writer, director, or simply a musical theatre enthusiast, this bulletin is your ticket to staying informed and getting globally inspired!
The latest in a string of strategic, stunning non-replica “Wicked”s is now playing at Sweden’s Gothenburg Opera:
EUROPE
“MJ THE MUSICAL” Will Open in Germany Next Year via Stage Entertainment— For the German production, all songs will remain in English, while dialogue will be translated into German (common practice for jukeboxes with globally famous songs).
The article’s subtitle claims this as the “fourth international production,” despite only citing Broadway, a US tour, and West End productions. While future plans for Broadway coproducers Michael Cassel of Australia and CJ ENM of Korea can be reasonably assumed to be in the works, this is misleading syntax.
In Germany, ‘Hamilton’ Hangs Up Its Musket— After a year of less-than-stellar ticket sales, the German-language production is closing. Wondering what will take it’s place? “& Juliet” to premiere in Germany in 2024
Stage Entertainment to open “Moulin Rouge” in the Netherlands Fall 2024— This will be at least the sixth (!) replica production of the show running globally. In addition and flying under the radar are the Scandinavian premieres in an interesting move by Global Creatures to license non-replicas into the global market at the same time; Norway, Denmark, and Sweden are thriving this fall under the supervision of my friends at Nordiska licensing.
“Pretty Woman” premieres in The Netherlands this month via Stage Entertainment
Bidding adieu this weekend to Milan’s “Phantom of the Opera,” I’m a big fan of this trailer.
“Six” non-replica productions premiered in Poland and Hungary this month.
I thoroughly enjoyed this review of a German production of “My Fair Lady,” set against a (apparently poorly received) theme of modern German immigration:
Instead of the triumphant diplomatic ball, at which Eliza finally becomes the object of desire for Freddy, (director) Lanzino relocates Eliza's 'final exam' to the clinically sterile immigration office, where she takes her German test, danced around by a cute ballet of letters discarded. There isn't much of the charm of the original left here.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Following successful local licenses in Japan and South Korea, a Chinese language “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” premiered this month in Taiwan, produced by Feng Xi Le Studio and featuring six actors in rotation.
“Great Comet” to make Shanghai premiere in December— Billed as an “immersive new Broadway production” (meaning show), the actual production is an international semi-replica amalgamation: an English-with-Chinese-subtitles performance by a cast from NY and China, scenic design from acclaimed Korean designer Pilyoung Oh (who did the 2021 Korean production), led by Broadway associate Chloe Treat.
FYI the 2023/24 season at the Shanghai Grand Theatre consists of 58 productions, 70% of which will be shown for the first time in Shanghai.
“Wicked” replica production back in Tokyo— Shiki Theater Company premiered it in Tokyo in 2007, and since then it has been performed in various parts of Japan. This time, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Shiki (and no doubt also the 20th of Wicked), it’s back for the first time in about 10 years.
Lepro Entertainment’s “Spring Awakening” which was performed at Tokyo’s Asakusa Nine Theater in July 2022, will be replayed at the same theater in December 2023.
“Come From Away” Japanese cast revealed— To be performed in March 2024 at Tokyo’s Nissay Theater followed by tour to Osaka, Aichi, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto in April and May.
Toho’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” opens in Tokyo and these Oompa Loompas haunt my dreams:
Show You Should Know: Thai musical “Behind the Painting” (2008)
Thanks to a nifty find at the Broadway Flea the other week, I discovered "Behind the Painting," based on the Thai novel by Sriburapha and produced by Thailand’s Scenario Company and directed by Tak Viravan. Performed at Muangthai Rachadalai Theater for a total of 49 performances; Music by Sarawut Lertpanyanuch, Lyrics by Wichian Tantiphimonphan.
The musical follows a young man with a low social status hoping to rise in the government, a Thai diplomat longing for passion, and an American artist searching for inspiration during the Depression. A complex love triangle emerges amid conflict in 1930s Bangkok and Tokyo, American democratic influence in Siam, and anti-American resentment in Japan.
Adapted into “Waterfall” by Maltby & Shire (US 2015, Thailand 2023)
Scenario went on to coproduce on Broadway’s Lysistrata Jones, On a Clear Day, How to Succeed, and Promises, Promises, before approaching American songwriting team Maltby & Shire to adapt their own version of the title.
This iteration was produced by the Pasadena Playhouse and The 5th Avenue Theatre in 2015, ahead of a desired 2016 Broadway run. Instead, the musical has just wrapped an English-language Bangkok premiere, showcasing true international collaboration between Broadway and Thai creative and cast members.
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