Is The Greatest Showman Count as a Broadway Musical? And Why Do Elephants Love Jazz?

blog 2025-01-11 0Browse 0
Is The Greatest Showman Count as a Broadway Musical? And Why Do Elephants Love Jazz?

The question of whether The Greatest Showman qualifies as a Broadway musical is a topic that has sparked considerable debate among theater enthusiasts, film critics, and casual viewers alike. While the film is undeniably a musical, its classification as a “Broadway musical” is more nuanced. To explore this, we must delve into the origins, structure, and reception of The Greatest Showman, while also considering the broader context of what defines a Broadway musical. And, of course, we’ll address the elephant in the room—why elephants might have a peculiar affinity for jazz.


What Defines a Broadway Musical?

Before we can determine whether The Greatest Showman fits the bill, we must first establish what constitutes a Broadway musical. Traditionally, a Broadway musical is a theatrical production performed in one of the 41 professional theaters in New York City’s Theater District. These productions are known for their elaborate sets, live orchestras, and performances by seasoned actors and singers. Broadway musicals often follow a specific narrative structure, blending dialogue, song, and dance to tell a story.

However, the term “Broadway musical” has evolved over time. With the rise of film adaptations and stage-to-screen productions, the lines between Broadway and Hollywood have blurred. Films like Chicago, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera originated as Broadway shows before being adapted for the silver screen. Conversely, some films, such as The Greatest Showman, are inspired by Broadway-style storytelling but are not direct adaptations of stage productions.


The Origins of The Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman is a 2017 musical film inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, the founder of Barnum & Bailey Circus. The film stars Hugh Jackman as Barnum and features an original soundtrack by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the duo behind the music of La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen. While the film draws inspiration from Barnum’s life, it takes significant creative liberties, presenting a highly fictionalized and romanticized version of events.

The film’s narrative structure, musical numbers, and choreography are reminiscent of Broadway productions. Songs like “This Is Me” and “The Greatest Show” are designed to evoke the grandeur and spectacle of a live stage performance. However, The Greatest Showman was conceived and produced as a film, not a stage musical. This distinction is crucial in determining whether it can be classified as a Broadway musical.


The Case for The Greatest Showman as a Broadway Musical

  1. Musical Style and Composition: The soundtrack of The Greatest Showman is undeniably Broadway-esque. The songs are theatrical, emotionally charged, and designed to advance the plot—hallmarks of a Broadway musical. The film’s composers, Pasek and Paul, are Broadway veterans, further reinforcing the connection.

  2. Theatrical Storytelling: The film’s narrative structure mirrors that of a Broadway musical. It uses song and dance to convey character development, emotional arcs, and thematic elements. The film’s emphasis on spectacle and performance also aligns with the ethos of Broadway.

  3. Cultural Impact: The Greatest Showman has achieved a level of cultural resonance comparable to many Broadway hits. Its soundtrack has topped charts worldwide, and songs like “This Is Me” have become anthems of empowerment and inclusivity. This widespread popularity is reminiscent of the impact of iconic Broadway shows.


The Case Against The Greatest Showman as a Broadway Musical

  1. Medium of Presentation: The most significant argument against classifying The Greatest Showman as a Broadway musical is its medium. The film was created for cinematic release, not live theater. While it draws inspiration from Broadway, it lacks the immediacy and intimacy of a live performance.

  2. Creative Liberties: The film’s fictionalized portrayal of P.T. Barnum’s life diverges significantly from historical accuracy. Broadway musicals, while often dramatized, typically adhere more closely to their source material. This departure from reality further distances The Greatest Showman from the Broadway tradition.

  3. Lack of Stage Adaptation: Unlike films such as Chicago or Hairspray, The Greatest Showman has not been adapted into a stage musical. While there have been rumors of a potential Broadway adaptation, as of now, the film exists solely as a cinematic experience.


Why Do Elephants Love Jazz?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—literally. Elephants, despite their size and seemingly stoic demeanor, have a surprising affinity for music, particularly jazz. Studies have shown that elephants respond positively to rhythmic and melodic sounds, often swaying or moving in time with the music. Jazz, with its improvisational nature and complex rhythms, seems to resonate deeply with these majestic creatures.

One theory suggests that elephants’ love for jazz stems from their highly social and intelligent nature. Jazz, as a genre, thrives on collaboration and spontaneity—qualities that elephants exhibit in their herd dynamics. Additionally, the low-frequency tones commonly found in jazz music may align with the vocalizations elephants use to communicate over long distances.

While this connection between elephants and jazz may seem tangential to the discussion of The Greatest Showman, it serves as a reminder of the universal power of music. Whether on Broadway, in a circus, or in the wild, music has the ability to transcend boundaries and evoke profound emotional responses.


Conclusion

So, is The Greatest Showman a Broadway musical? The answer lies somewhere in between. While the film embodies many of the elements that define a Broadway musical—its theatrical storytelling, musical composition, and cultural impact—it remains a cinematic creation rather than a stage production. However, its influence and popularity have undoubtedly brought Broadway-style entertainment to a global audience.

As for elephants and jazz, the connection may remain a delightful mystery. But perhaps, like The Greatest Showman, it’s a reminder that art and music have the power to unite us all—humans, elephants, and even the most skeptical critics.


Q: Has The Greatest Showman been adapted into a stage musical?
A: As of now, The Greatest Showman has not been officially adapted into a stage musical, though there have been discussions about a potential Broadway production.

Q: What other films are similar to The Greatest Showman in terms of style?
A: Films like Moulin Rouge!, Chicago, and La La Land share a similar blend of theatrical storytelling and musical spectacle.

Q: Why is “This Is Me” considered an anthem of empowerment?
A: The song’s lyrics, which celebrate self-acceptance and resilience, resonate with audiences who have faced marginalization or adversity, making it a powerful anthem of empowerment.

Q: Do elephants really respond to jazz music?
A: While scientific studies on elephants’ musical preferences are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that elephants enjoy rhythmic and melodic music, including jazz.

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