If you’ve gotten bored of watching the same movie over and over, why not try going to the theater? Whether you’re catching a show about books or your favorite book adaptation, there’s something for everyone.
You don’t even have to go all the way to New York City to see a show, because there are touring productions that come right to Boston! For example, “Little Women: The Broadway Musical,” which will be playing at the Hanover Theatre in March. The beloved story of four sisters—Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth—teaches lessons of honesty, hard work and the importance of family. Louisa May Alcott, the book’s author, draws elements from her own life to weave together a story that should not be ignored.
“Little Women: The Broadway Musical” will play a three day engagement at the Hanover Theatre March 22-24.
Not much has been announced yet, but “The Kite Runner,” adapted from the New York Times bestselling book, will be going on tour in 2024. It played a limited Broadway run in 2022, with a script very similar to the book. The story is told through Amir’s eyes as he forms an unlikely friendship and must face the consequences of his decisions.
If you’re willing to take a trip to New York, “& Juliet” is a fun watch for Shakespeare fans. Inspired by the famous “Romeo and Juliet,” the musical poses the question, “What if Juliet didn’t die?” Filled with fan-favorite pop hits and heart wrenching ballads, Juliet and her friends travel the world as they learn how to write their own stories. It’s definitely a more lighthearted version of the tragic story, and will have you singing along the entire show.
“& Juliet” is currently playing an open run at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
Maybe you’re planning a trip to head down to the city for spring break, during which you’ll want to add a trip to see “The Notebook – A New Musical.” Based on the bestselling Nicholas Sparks novel, opposites Noah and Allie fall for each other in 1940s South Carolina. They’re reunited years later and must decide what their love is worth. In the musical, three pairs of “Allie” and “Noah” play the characters throughout three different periods of life, and yes, the kiss in the rain most definitely exists. It’s recommended that you bring tissues to the show—you will be crying.
“The Notebook – A New Musical” begins previews Feb. 6.
I’ve got a book-to-musical adaptation that you don’t even need to leave the house for—“Matilda the Musical” was recently released on Netflix. The musical itself is currently playing in London, and it was adapted and filmed as a movie. Matilda tells the story of a young girl who loves to read, and is an outsider in her own home. Despite her horrible school and even worse Headmistress, Matilda finds solace in class, all thanks to her teacher, Miss Honey. “Matilda the Musical” is very cleverly adapted and has an incredibly catchy soundtrack. You’ll be singing hits such as “Naughty” and “Revolting Children” for weeks.
“Matilda the Musical” is available to stream on Netflix.
So whether you’re traveling to see a show or you want to watch one from your couch, there’s an endless supply of book-to-musical adaptations! I don’t think I’ve seen a single one that I haven’t enjoyed, and I’m very excited to see the ones that I haven’t.
