10 Book to Musical Adaptations

This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing a play I have never seen before. This is odd, considering I was one of the co-producers for it (being a producer in my community theatre is totally different from any kind of professional producer- essentially, I'm there for helping out wherever I am needed, so don't get any ideas about me being some kind of investor type).

The show was Big River. For those of you who don't know, that's a musical version of Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. Now I love Mark Twain's works, and Huckleberry Finn is my favorite of his list. I never really thought about it being a musical before, but I have learned to keep an open mind anytime I see something is a musical that I did not think would make a good one.

Take, for instance, Robert Louis Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. I first heard of that musical when I was 14. I did not think it would make a good one, but I decided to see it anyway. I was so happy to be proven wrong!

So below is a list of some of the best, and rather surprising, book to musical adaptations. Enjoy!

Sorry, folks! You'll have to watch
for the next one!

1. Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

As I said before, I love the story of Huck. What I don't love is bluegrass music. Please, cut me some slack- my introduction to it was not a good one. This particular show's music and lyrics were written by Roger Miller, a prolific bluegrass musical artist who wrote and performed a whole host of songs, including Oo-De-Lally from Walt Disney's Robin Hood. I was struck by how the music captured the sound of the river (helped along by sound cues from the techies in the sound booth), but I was most struck by the way it communicated the beautiful loneliness that a life of traveling cultivates. I can't get enough of Leaving's Not the Only Way to Go. The haunting notes transport you to a different place. If you haven't heard this music, I urge you to go out and buy a copy of it, borrow it from a library, or listen to it online. If it doesn't sound like your usual cup of tea, give it a try anyway. It didn't seem like mine, either, and I loved every single song, especially the one mentioned above and Muddy Water.

Filmmakers certainly kept the integrity
of Shrek's original design.

2. Shrek

This one is special in that is went from a book by William Steig to movie to stage adaptation. Shrek started out as a children's book about an ogre that rescues an ugly princess. Because ogres like ugly things, he falls in love with her and they live happily ever after. Honestly, it's adorable, but the films inspired by it certainly added a lot of bulk to the plot line. Often that kind of thing fails spectacularly, in my opinion. This is the exception that proves the rule, though, and I think the first Shrek movie was wonderful. It's how I first heard about Shrek, and I didn't even know it was originally a children's book until my husband told me about it. I found out about Shrek the Musical when I saw the soundtrack at the public library. I am ashamed to admit that my first thought was "Lame!" I borrowed it, anyway, and by the fourth song in, I Know It's Today, I was convinced otherwise. Some amazing songs are in this show, and the set and costume designs are mind blowing. There is a dvd version of it, and it's on Netflix. If you want to see some truly amazing live stage designs, please watch it. You'll also get to see Sutton Foster in all her brilliance as Princess Fiona.

3. Little Women
Louisa May Alcott is a member of the famous Alcott family, where they bleed ink instead of blood. Seriously, it seems like they are all writers. Louisa, though, is certainly one of the most famous, and 'Little Women' is a book that defines her writing ability and style. It is no wonder that it's become several movies and a musical. Some of the songs are not my favorites, but some of them are. When you hear Marmie sing Here Alone or Days of Plenty, she will quickly become one of your favorite characters if she wasn't already.



4. Ragtime
The book, originally by E.L. Doctrow, is not for anyone younger than high school, in my opinion, and there are several differences from the book to the musical, like the relationship between Evelyn Nesbit and Younger Brother. Both contain lots of historical figures from 1902-1912 such as Henry Ford, Harry Houdini, and 'radical anarchist' Emma Goldman. It also contains heavy discussion of political unrest, poverty, rights of laborers, sexism, and racial and immigrant conflict. True to it's name, it contains a wonderful combination of music styles, relying heavily on ragtime. If you want to know a bit more about what's going on in the musical as well as the book, just give Prologue a listen.

5. The Man of La Mancha
Don Quixote, by Miquel de Cervantes, holds true to the book in many ways, though of course unable to contain all of the wonderful and delusional adventures this man had with his comrade, Sancho Panza. This musical discusses hopes and dreams, shows how others seek to stifle them because they are not right, usual, or considered sane. Don Quixote inspires Sancho and Aldonza, the woman he sees as his Dulcinea to live with hope. Yes, it sounds cliched, but the music is phenomenal. The songs that come to mind right away are Aldonza and The Impossible Dream. Listen to that last one and tell me you didn't get goosebumps. If you do, I probably won't believe you. Bonus: Linda Eder has a fantastic version of it on her album 'Broadway My Way'.

6. Jekyll & Hyde
Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is a novella. If you haven't read it, please do. Most adaptations to screen or stage leave out the fact that the narration is done by Dr. Jekyll's friend, Mr. John Utterson, and it is a masterfully done book, as nearly everything by Stevenson is. The musical does remove the narration done by Mr. Utterson, but he is still a largely important role. The musical explores the good and evil in each person, just in case the poster didn't give that away, but the music so perfectly haunts and lingers in the ears of the listener that is's hard not to replay the album as soon as it's over. Seriously, I can't pick a song to highlight for you, so just go look it up and listen to the whole thing. Really. No, what are you still doing here? Stop reading this and go listen to the music. You can finish this article after that.

7. Cats
I almost didn't include this one on the list, but I decided to do it because it came from a different type of book. 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' by T.S. Eliot is a collection of poems. About cats. That pretty much makes it amazing right there. When music is added to it, and then jaw-dropping dance numbers get tossed into the mix, it gives a whole new spin on the interpretation of poetry that has no end to fun. I know, some people find this show annoying and disjointed. To those people, I encourage you to drop the musical in your heads, and just go read the poetry. You might find that your own version of them makes them far more interesting.


8. The Color Purple
I have a confession. I have neither read this book nor have I seen or heard this musical. I am ashamed. This will be corrected, though, as I have every intention to completely change the status of that! The book, written by Alice Walker, was published in 1982, and became a musical in 2005. It won 11 Tony Awards in 2006. So it obviously has some amazing credentials. Since I have not experienced either of these pieces, though, I will move on and write more about them when I have finished my task. Onward!




9. The Secret Garden
By Frances Hodgson Burnett, this book is about Mary Lennox, a young girl who loses both of her parents to cholera while in India and has to go live with her disfigured Uncle who is still in mourning for the aunt that Mary resembles. While exploring the huge house, Mary discovers her cousin Collin, an invalid who hardly ever sees his father. If you don't know the rest of the story, I won't ruin it for you. Just make sure you read it or see one of the many movies. If you're not convinced that a musical version of this is a good idea, then listen to Winter's on the Wing.




10. Wicked
This is possibly one of the most popular musicals I have ever been exposed to. I haven't met a single person who doesn't love it. Everyone I know who has read the book has loved it. There are difference, so if you have not had the pleasure of reading, seeing, or hearing this story, do not be surprised. I think the book sticks more closely and honestly to the character of Elphaba (who was named for L. Frank Baum's initials, L.F.B.), but that doesn't mean I don't still enjoy both. This is supposed to be the true, behind the scenes story of the Witches of Oz, so don't expect to see too much of Dorothy.

These are just a sampling of the musicals out there that began as books. Books and literature influence so many different elements of the arts, and should certainly not be written off (Ha! Get it? Written off? Because they're books?). What book inspired musicals do you love? Are there any you wish I had included? Tell me in the comments!

Seven Literary Masks

When I was in New Orleans, I got myself a souvenir that is such a symbol of New Orleans and it's main festival, Mardi Gras. I got a mask! It is a beautiful mask that I will include a photo of later.

The mask is a very interesting piece of costuming, with a rich history in the arts, including visual arts, theatre, literature, film... the list goes on. The mask is a symbol of mystery, deception, disguise, sensuality, and celebration. Based on the type of mask, the symbolism changes.

Take, for instance, the Italian theatre form called commedia dell'arte . This is where we get the stock characters commonly seen in modern sitcoms and other forms of storytelling, and masks were a very central part of these characters. The character 'Pantelone' is the dirty old man, rich and miserly. The mask often had bushy eyebrows and facial hair to signify age, with the occasional pair of spectacles. A long, hooked nose was common. 'Capitano' was the boastful soldier who, despite his constant stories of success on the battlefield, would flee at the first sign of a fight. His mask had a long nose, a phallic symbol, but also often contained design elements from North Africa, where he often served as a soldier. It was meant to represent a dichotomy between the brave and aggressive soldier, and the cowardly nature. There is a whole treasure trove of symbolism in the mask, especially in regards to commedia. 

All of this made me thinking of where masks have been seen in literature, and I have compiled a short list. Some of these I have read, others I have not. I would love to discuss the mask in more detail with these books, but I will wait until I have finished reading all of these. 

1. The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas 

This novel was first published in serial form from 1847 to 1850. It is the fourth and final volume of the d'Artagnan Romances.

2. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

This was first published in September of 1909. We have all, undoubtedly, heard of the musical inspired by the book of the same name. It is a common literary reference, which has inspired many parodies and adaptations to the stage and film, and even other novels that seek to answer questions about the Phantom's mysterious past. 

3. The Red Mask of Death by Edgar Allen Poe

This short story was published in 1842. It has been adapted into various stage productions. Poe is known for his frightening horror stories, and this one is no exception. It is in public domain so can be found to read online or in various collections of his works. If you like this one, I suggest moving on to some of his other works.

4. The Mask by William Butler Yeats

This is one of the many poetic works written by Yeats, who lived from 1865-1939. I love reading his works out loud, and this one is no exception. It can be found online or in poetry collections.

5. Watchmen by Alan Moore

This graphic novel was published in 1986. I'll be honest, I haven't read it. It is a violent graphic novel, and I have a hard time with that. I will read it eventually, when I feel ready to face the violence it contains. It speaks a great deal about social issues and the human condition as it follows the stories of various superheroes, including the ever changing mask of Rorschach. Masks play a huge role in the world of superheroes and supervillains. I can hardly include them all here, so I have chosen just this one. 

6. The Haunted Mask by R.L. Stine

I loved reading this series of books when I was younger. There are so many that I know I didn't even read half of the collection, and it's something I have often thought of. I would love to try to read them all. This particular book was published in 1993, and follows the main character of Carly Beth on Halloween when she buys a mask to get even with all the people who frightened and humiliated her.

7. The Phantom of the Auditorium by R. L. Stine

This book was published in 1994, and is a clear reference to The Phantom of the Opera. It is a great introduction to the story for younger readers who enjoy spooky stories but may not be ready to read the classic book that inspired this one.

This list barely scratches the surface. Have you read any of these books? Are there any books, poems, or songs that use the mask as a literary element you enjoy that I didn't include? Let me know what you thought of them!

An Introduction To "No Wasted Words"

I love books. I am a total bookworm. My bookshelves are full. I am always searching for a new and interesting book to read. I am always searching for cheap and sturdy bookshelves. I visit local libraries, though perhaps not as often as I wish I did.

I spend a lot of time reading my favorite genre, young adult fiction. I love how accessible it is, and the creative and fantastical journeys the characters go on. I love seeing the world through their eyes, learning lessons with them, and taking every step of their adventure as they do. It may not be the most fashionable for a grown woman to be reading books meant for kids, but here is my philosophy: it doesn't matter what audience the book you're reading is aimed at, so long as you are enjoying yourself while you read it!

My favorite author is Diana Wynne Jones, a woman that wrote over forty books in her forty year literary career, and who, sadly, passed away back in 2011 from cancer. When I found out, I cried for days. Let me tell you why.

Her books reached me as a child in a way that was totally new to me. I had enjoyed books, being taught to love reading by my parents and two older siblings. I spent so much time at the library in Sharon Springs, New York, that I even won a savings bond from them. Books were a way for me to connect to the world in a way I felt I couldn't when pages weren't in front of me. The first book I read of hers, brought to me by my father, was Howl's Moving Castle.

I adored it. It's my favorite book to this day, and that book led me into the dynamic, magical, and multifaceted worlds that Diana created with paper and ink. Her books are most often marketed to young adults, though she has written in a variety of subjects and mediums. I am ashamed to admit that I haven't even read half of the things she wrote. It is a life goal of mine to collect and read, cover to cover, multiple times, all of her works.

I have chronic abdominal pain from endometriosis which has be bedridden a couple times a month, and I am never without one or four of her books when I feel my worst. Her books offer such a comfort After all, if Sophie could handle being old for so long, I bet I can handle this.

One of the things I love the most about her books is that nothing is superfluous. Every single word matters and is there, right where it is, for a reason, and a very good reason at that. Not a single word is there for filler, not a single syllable is an accident. Every single detail is essential to the story or creating the many worlds of her numerous stories. I have taken that thought into my everyday life, understanding that no detail of the world around me is an accident. Not that stray cat prowling for hidden rodents, not the plastic bag flying behind the grocery store, not the advertisement with a boot print on the sidewalk- everything is there for a reason, and there is a story behind all of the details which create our world. It is those details that cannot be taken for granted if we are to make the world a better place. I take the same stance when dealing with people. Every single person matters, and I hope to help encourage all of those people to pick up books, read until their heart is content, and learn as much as possible!

I believe Diana left the world a more magical place than she found it, simply by gifting the world her profound imagination and bountiful stories.

I only wish I could achieve a fraction of what she did. If I can impact one person in the way she impacted me, I will consider myself a success.

Now, for the reason for this blog. I want to help encourage reading in as many people as possible. I don't want anyone to feel ashamed for what they're reading. Whether you're a teenager reading a book meant for young children just learning to read, or a school child reading beyond the level of those around you, never apologize for reading, and never apologize for what you're reading (unless you're reading your sibling's diary- try to stay out of that!)

I would love for everyone with a favorite book to write in to me about it. Just because there is a book I didn't much care for doesn't mean that it is a bad book! I want to encourage people to read as much as they can, not discourage anyone from reading something simply due to my own preferences.

As far as what you can expect from this blog, I will be putting in reviews of various titles and genres. I won’t only be focusing on young adult fiction, though there will be plenty of that as it is my favorite genre. I will also be keeping up with new and upcoming titles, writing author profiles, and making list articles.

Currently, I am reading Reflections: On the Magic of Writing, with a forward by Neil Gaiman and introduction by Charlie Butler, both of which had the honor of knowing Diana through their mutual profession. It is a collection of essays, interviews (including her last), literary criticism, autobiographical details, and discussions about the origins of several of her books. At this moment, I have only read the forward and introduction.

I have cried every couple of paragraphs, first and most prominently at Mr. Gaiman's description of Diana, which perfectly fit how she had always been in my imagination, right down to her laugh. I won't spoil anything about the book because I want everyone to read it, but I promise to write more about it later as I finish reading it. And let's be honest, that probably won’t take more than the weekend because I have a habit of not letting her books go until I finish them.

Speaking of which, I've been away from my book for too long. I’ll be back to the realm of the living as soon as I finish this last chapter…