Since it opened at the start of 2024’s holiday season,Wickedhas gone on to become not only one ofthe highest grossing films of the year, but one of the most successful movie endeavors of all time. The film’s success is, of course, due in part to the Broadway musical’s achievements, as well as directorJon M. Chu’spainstaking care in translating the material. There’s no question that the picture has pleased longtime fans ofthe stage show, and moviegoers alike.But as fans rejoicifyWicked’s success, we’re reminded of another Broadway smash that should have been equally triumphant, but came crashing down like a falling chandelier: 2004’sThe Phantom of the Opera.
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Wicked’ Are Two of Broadway’s Biggest Hits
Broadway is one ofshowbusiness’ toughest formats.The Economistestimates that only 20% to 30% even recoup their investments. ButbothPhantomandWickedhave defied the odds.According to BroadwayWorld, the Broadway production ofWickedhas grown $1.6 billion as of February 2023, and is currently the fourth longest-running musical in the history of New York, whilePlaybillreported that the show now has a global gross of $3.2 billion.
‘Wicked’ Has Left ‘Moana 2’ Stranded at Sea As It Reclaims Top Spot at the Box Office
That’s one ‘Wicked’ box office accomplishment.
Phantom’s success cannot be overstated. It has a global gross of $6 billion (Variety), enjoyed a 35-year-long run on Broadway, and,despite closing in April 2023, remains the longest-running musical in Broadway history. Additionally, it was recently announced that a new North American tour based on the original staging will open in 2025, with composerAndrew Lloyd Webberalso announcing a New York return is already being planned. It’s safe to say thatthe material is not going anywhere. However, the material also has along history on the screen, and fans waited a long time for the musical to make its way to cinemas. But, in the case of adaptation, it would not enjoy the same success asWicked.
‘Wicked’ Is a Better Adaptation
Adapting a Broadwaymusical for the screen is not easy. Hit shows likeDear Evan Hansenand Lloyd Webber’s ownCatssuffered in translation. ButWickedhas worked because it faithfully adapted the musical in its entirety while accounting forits new cinematic format. There are times when it evensurpasses its theatrical counterpart.While both shows were the biggest stage hits of their respective generations,Phantomfalls completely short of achieving the same smooth transition ofWicked.
LikeWicked,Phantom’s story revolves around human relationships. But, whereWickedused the screen to createmore nuanced character arcs(something difficult to accomplish on stage),Phantommissed many opportunities. Sure, it rearranged the story to create a more linear arc for the screen, butit remained too faithful to the show in terms of its characterization. One needn’t look any further than the songs “Stranger Than You Dreamt It” and “Point of No Return.” The former is an intense moment in which Christine (Emmy Rossum) sees thePhantom’s (Gerard Butler)face for the first time. As a film, it had an opportunity to more closely examine Christine and the Phantom’s emotions. Instead, it’s staged almost identically to the show. “Point of No Return” itself misses the mark further. The scene on stage is an intimate power play between the two that ultimately leads to the grand finale. But the picture adds a slew of tango dancers to the scene and continuously cuts away from the two in order to show backstage anxieties. WhereWickedmastered the art of close-ups,Phantomseemingly avoids them at all cost.
Wickedgoes a step further in adaptation, adding intimacy and logic to even its most theatrical numbers, like “Defying Gravity,” which makes them all the more believable. ButPhantomagain remains too faithful to the stage production. Take the title number as an example: thefilm issoreliant on the original staging that it adapts the show’s most famous scene transition where a set of candelabras rise from the stage floor. The film makes this literal, raising lit candelabras from below the Phantom’s Lake. Not only does it stand out as a strange choice, the spectacle doesn’t translate well on film at all. These shows really are Broadway icons. Yet,Phantomflopped in its attempt to share its story on the big screen, whereasWickedsoared and reinvented itself for the better.
The Phantom of the Operais available to rent on Prime.
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The Phantom of the Opera
