With so many cinematic adaptations of classic stage hits, it's often remarkable how much these filmed takes on the narratives can move away from what audiences have previously experienced on Broadway or indeed the West End. However, for some of the most important shows in the industry's history, no one can deny the revolutionary work that is then reflected on screen.
Costume design in particular can completely sell a story. There are countless shows that have award-winning visual designs when it comes to the garments that the cast wears during their performances, but only a select few are revolutionary in one way or another; so much so that a big-screen adaptation has to reflect them in some capacity.
The Lion King
Of course, The Lion King is based upon the Disney animated classic of the same name. Fans attend the show for the incredible songs and Shakespearean story of family rivalries and bids for the throne. Yet, the costume design is truly astounding in this colorful and unique show.
It takes a great deal of imagination to take these animated characters and somehow bring them into the real world. Designer and director Julie Taymor is one of the Tony Award-winning minds behind these fantastic looks, noting the importance of symmetry, natural imagery, and reflecting each character's personality within these costumes. The inspired puppetry work helps to bridge the gap between fiction and reality.
Wicked
Wicked contains some truly legendary moments which will continue to influence the future of Broadway. As one of its most successful productions, it's obvious that the mesmerizing costume design contributed to the overall presentation of this award-winning musical.
Granted, there's a great deal of inspiration to be taken from both the novels and indeed on-screen adaptations. Tony winner Susan Hilferty, created instantly recognizable costumes which match the characters so perfectly, by trying to create a culture amongst the designs. Her interest in historical garments was a huge influence on the final results, demonstrating the type of research necessary for revolutionary work.
The Phantom Of The Opera
has become synonymous with both stage and screen musicals. The set design, the music, and of course the costumes are a huge part of the industry's legacy. Maria Björnson had to do a great deal of research in order to create over 230 costumes.
Inspired by both period clothing and costuming seen in opera itself, containing elegance within these designs, despite the monstrous character was vitally important. Yet, the most memorable piece is that of the mask worn by the phantom; an iconic piece of design and one of the few examples of a single piece of costuming representing a whole production.
Les Misérables
Les Misérables has experienced a fantastic run internationally on stage. Based upon the novel by Victor Hugo, the musical brought this story of revolution and defeat to a brand new audience. The costumes were a crucial part of selling this period of French history.
Accuracy was definitely of vital importance, especially on a scale this large. Andreane Neofitou, who also worked on Miss Saigon, was the person behind these gorgeous creations. When it came to the film adaptation, it was one of the few times where the designers tried to create something new and yet the on-screen iterations still felt culturally in the same space as the stage version.
Kinky Boots
A shoe manufacturer who starts to create boots and heels to rejuvenate a business, linked to the vibrant drag community; Kinky Boots as a narrative is hugely sold on its costume design. After all, this clothing says so much about the characters, with the shoes themselves linked so closely to the story.
The logo for Kinky Boots itself is a piece of footwear that award winner Gregg Barnes had to work tirelessly over to get perfect. The secret to each character's look supposedly is simply the wigs and the shoes. The production is described in some ways as a fashion show, with each costume representing the core identity of the characters.
SIX
SIX is by all s an extremely British production, but that hasn't stopped its impact being felt in Broadway. The costumes are perhaps vastly different from what many might expect when talking about a musical based upon the Tudors and Henry's six wives.
Gabriella Slade was the mind behind these pop star-inspired looks. The designs actually took cues from modern stars like Beyoncé and Adelle, with the garments both echoing the Tudor period while also tying in to far more modern motifs.
Hairspray
is a much-loved musical production that tackles a number of issues including race, self-acceptance and body image, injustices within the arts, and a number of other complex topics. The costumes reflect both the time period, the vibrancy of this era of television and say a lot about individualism and blending in with a crowd.
Broadway legend William Ivey Long's abilities allow for these costumes to be both bright and mesmerizing yet incredibly practical. As the costume designer for Hairspray Live! also noted, these designs work thanks to the marriage of both the period and almost unrealistic level vibrancy in the looks, which blend to create something authentic.
Cats
didn't have the most successful adaptation to screen. This is partially due to the fact that the approach taken to the looks of the characters on stage was ignored in favor of a CGI iteration instead. The Broadway version however is one of the most notable examples of portraying animals in theatre.
John Napier is the man behind these unique designs. There's really nothing else on stage quite like the wardrobe of the cast of Cats. The designs themselves help to captivate an audience; viewers had never seen anything like this musical before and the fantastical nature of the costumes only added to the bizarre nature of the production.
Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice is a bona fide Halloween classic for film lovers. A musical adaptation of the movie seemed quite shocking considering the level of practical effects and fantastical elements which play into the narrative. The costume design in the film in particular seemed difficult to adapt to the stage.
Yet, Beetlejuice may be one of the best examples of a film being brought to the stage and still capturing the essence of the original concepts. William Levy Long was also behind these looks, noting that he had to reinterpret the on-screen versions, to really make them work on stage. As per usual, his eye for story can also be seen in the designs. The constant repair jobs Beetlejuice did on his own suit for instance are present in the final look.
Hamilton
Hamilton has become a modern-day phenomenon. Despite re-telling the story behind the birth of America as a nation and the personal journey of Hamilton as one of its founding fathers, the production also feels incredibly modern.
Paul Tazewell speaks about how the trick was to streamline the 18th century looks into a 21st-century setting. Tazewell achieves this expertly, defining both the chorus and the lead characters as separate from one another and yet clearly demonstrating his unique vision amongst all the designs. The silhouettes were of vital importance, but Tazewell never took traditional approaches considering this was not a traditional musical.