This year at the Tony Awards, the two shows going neck and neck for the Best Musical prize both had roots across the pond. Kinky Boots originated from a British movie, while Matilda the Musical, a product of the Royal Shakespeare Company, was labeled as “The British Invasion.” This phenomenon is not uncommon, as Broadway has had a long history with its British counterpart, the West End. But to better understand today’s trend, first we must take a trip back to the 80s.
Andrew Lloyd Webber is the famous composer and lyricist mainly responsible for the influx of shows in the 1980s, when the blockbuster musicals came to New York City. Musicals shot to feats of 1 million dollars due to higher production costs with more expanded artistic vision, making these shows almost like major Hollywood films. Shows like Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar in the 70s paved the way for more Webber musicals in the 80s. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, Starlight Express, and Phantom of the Opera started a new wave of musical talent from British minds.
This invasion began cult followings of shows like Les Miserables, and Phantom which is still running on Broadway today in its twenty fifth year. Andrew Lloyd Webber has also produced Bombay Dreams, created another musical Sunset Boulevard in the 90s, and recreated the classic Wizard of Oz in a new stage adaptation. However, there are many other British men and women who have also acclaimed Broadway success.
Cameron Mackintosh is a producer behind the hits Les Miserables, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, and Miss Saigon. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his work in musical theater. He also produced the Disney hit Mary Poppins, which ran on Broadway for 7 years before closing. Disney has had many successes on Broadway, especially with the help of team Elton John and Tim Rice. Not only did they write music for Disney’s biggest classics The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, but also their latter feat Aida. Elton John also went on to score the 2009 hit Billy Elliot, which went on to win Best Musical.
Other Broadway successes from British roots include Ghost, Sister Act and mega-hit Mamma Mia, written by British playwright Catherine Johnson. Many plays have also gotten Broadway transfers welcomed with open arms. Red, War Horse, and One Man Two Guvnors have all come to the states and have received critical acclaim and Tony recognition.
We also give back to the West End with shows from Broadway having very successful runs in London. Popular shows like Wicked, Chicago, Book of Mormon, Avenue Q, Hairspray, and Once the Musical have traveled overseas in order to entertain new audiences. London audiences have given to life to shows that didn’t stick around long in the states. Shows like Legally Blonde and Shrek the Musical have all gone on to get multiple praises from the Olivier Awards.
While New York City seems to be the capital of the world for our community, we must remember that while our world is getting smaller we need to keep up with international theater as well. From Rocky the Musical in Germany to King Kong the Musical in Australia, keeping up with the rest of the world will only help us in becoming better artists.