3rd Topic of Interest - Globalization of Musical Theatre

In this weeks reading assignment, we covered the topics of popular culture and folk culture, and the globalization of many ideas, practices and customs.  Globalization of popular culture is dominantly influenced by America and European countries.  We see this evident in fashion, music, film and food amongst other places.

I have always loved theatre, particularly musical theatre and Broadway.  One thing I find interesting to follow is the globalization of musical theatre.  Many productions that you may see on Broadway or even in London's West End may very well end up on the other side or even on tour throughout North America, where it is not only more profitable for companies but also to spread the joys of live theatre.

Aside from London and New York, there is a growing popularity for these shows to appear in other countries.  Let's take one show for Example; Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Phantom of the Opera', originating in London and currently Broadway's longest running show of all time has now been deemed the highest grossing entertainment event of all time and the most financially successful theatrical show in history (Wikipedia).  Since it's origination in 1986, it has been seen by more than 130 million people in 145 cities in 27 different countries on 6 continents and is still running strong. 

Are you a fan of the music or the original London Cast Recording?  If so, you might be interested to listen to the various cast recordings available of the German, Canadian, Austrian, Japanese, Mexican, Korean,. Polish, Dutch, Swedish and Hungarian Productions.  I think it's awesome how a musical that helped me to fall in love with musical theatre has spawned into a phenomenon that can be enjoyed in it's original format, yet re-invented so that a specific country can integrate it into their culture.

We are now beginning to see other popular musicals originitaing in NYC and London take on global forms as they continue to gain popularity.  This can be seen in such musicals as the blockbusters Wicked and Disney's The Lion King.  See the pictures below for a few examples of foreign cast recordings and be sure to support musical theatre; the rest of the world is!

- John



The Lion King:  Original German Cast Recording



Wicked:  Original Japanese Cast Recording



The Phantom of the Opera: Spanish Recording

Sources used:  Google and Wikipedia