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Musicals are like divisive cultural icons—think marmite or anchovies. They evoke either intense devotion or strong disdain. When you decide to watch a film or attend a live performance, do you revel in spontaneous song and dance, or do you cringe at the very thought?
In 1817, Samuel Taylor Coleridge introduced the concept of “suspension of disbelief,” describing our willingness to set aside logic for the sake of enjoyment. This idea has been stretched to its limits in science fiction, especially when combined with the musical genre. Here, we present ten sci-fi and fantasy musicals that boldly challenged the norms, for better or worse.
10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coming Out of Their Shells
The influence of toys is undeniable. During the late ’80s and early ’90s, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles phenomenon was at its peak. Originating from a comic by Eastman and Laird, it became a cartoon series, spawning a massive toy line and a flood of merchandise. To capitalize on its popularity, even a musical was conceived as part of the promotional frenzy.
Most musical ventures by the Turtles are remembered with nostalgia. They scored a chart-topping hit linked to their debut film, and their sequel even included a cameo by the then-popular Vanilla Ice. Yet, their stage musical, the Coming Out of Their Shells tour, is often forgotten and relegated to obscurity.
The storyline was as thin as it gets. The Turtles embark on a global music tour to connect with their fans. During a performance, their arch-nemesis Shredder and his ally Baxter Stockman disrupt the show, forcing the Turtles to devise a strategy to overcome their foes.
Finding standout moments is a challenge. “April’s Theme” is a syrupy ballad sung by their journalist friend, while “Skipping Stones” is delivered by Splinter, their wise rat mentor. Backed by Pizza Hut, the show aired on pay-per-view and was later released on VHS.
9. Via Galactica
The 1970s were an eccentric era for science fiction. Fresh off the moon landings, the technological advancements of later years were still on the horizon. This fueled wild speculations about the future, leading to creative expressions involving ping pong balls, trampolines, aluminum foil, and heartfelt ballads.
Via Galactica was crafted by Christopher Gore and Judith Ross, with music composed by Galt Macdermot. Macdermot had previously achieved fame with the musical Hair, which spawned three hit singles. Despite his involvement, Via Galactica also boasted other big names, including Hollywood icon Raul Julia and Fame star Irene Cara. However, even their talents couldn’t salvage the show’s confusing storyline and impractical stage design.
The idea was to craft a futuristic musical centered on societal misfits residing on an asteroid. However, after just seven performances, the show was axed due to its poorly conceived plot. Actors and set pieces would often sink into the trampoline-like stage. At one point, radio microphones accidentally picked up emergency service frequencies, broadcasting police and fire communications to the audience. Irene Cara got tangled in the rigging, and Raul Julia was once trapped in a spaceship dangling above the crowd.
The lack of foresight was evident from the start, particularly with the initial title. The show was originally called “Up” and was set to debut at the Uris Theatre. Once the unfortunate implication was noticed, the name was swiftly altered.
8. Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark
Combine a visionary director who successfully adapted Disney’s The Lion King
The idea of a Spiderman musical gained traction after the first Spiderman film became a massive hit. However, challenges arose when producer Tony Adams suffered a stroke and passed away. A global financial crisis further complicated matters, causing many investors to withdraw. The production faced not only a massive budget shortfall but also a series of technical issues.
One notable incident involved the lead actor getting stuck mid-air while web-swinging above the audience. A crew member had to use a stick to nudge him down, leaving him dangling like a piñata over the first two rows.
The advanced machinery designed for web-swinging across the theater was not only expensive but also prone to causing injuries. Performers reported concussions, broken wrists, and even fractured toes.
Even the music failed to impress. Reports suggested that U2, unfamiliar with musical theater, were given a CD featuring highlights from 60 years of Broadway hits. Picture a blend of U2’s Joshua Tree B-sides and the Les Miserables soundtrack, and you’ll get a sense of what audiences endured.
7. Carrie: The Musical
At its heart, Carrie is a horror story centered on a young woman’s coming of age and her experiences with menstruation. It’s unclear how anyone believed these themes could translate into a musical. Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, the production lasted only five performances and is often cited as one of the most notorious flops in musical theater history.
The source material had already seen great success as a film. Screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen and composer Michael Gore, who had previously worked on the hit Fame, collaborated to create the musical. Given Gore’s experience, one might have expected better judgment.
When Carrie premiered in the UK in 1988, it was plagued by technical issues from the start. An actress quit on opening night after narrowly avoiding injury from a malfunctioning stage prop. The iconic pig’s blood scene, a highlight of both the book and film, repeatedly caused the lead actress’s microphone to fail.
By the time the show reached the U.S., it was already doomed. Critics were as harsh as the bullies in Carrie’s story. Ironically, despite loud audience disapproval, the show sold out every night, as if people reveled in the spectacle of its disastrous production.
6. Moby Dick: A Whale of a Tale
Whale hunting and the objectification of teenage girls are outdated concepts. Now, imagine a musical that merges these two themes into one politically incorrect and deeply unsettling theatrical experience.
The musical was the brainchild of Robert Longden and Hereward Kaye. Initially, it was a lighthearted, music-hall-style production about a girls’ school staging a performance of Moby Dick. Featuring a headmistress in drag and packed with innuendo-laden humor, it toured universities like a precursor to Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Following a series of sold-out performances, the creators aimed for a broader audience. It moved to London’s West End, premiering at the Piccadilly Theatre. However, it received scathing reviews and was canceled after just four months. Although it later made its way to the U.S., the production was heavily sanitized, with many controversial elements removed.
5. Repo! The Genetic Opera
This musical takes a detour from the stage to the silver screen. If the film were simply titled Repo!, its premise would be intriguing. Set in 2056, the world faces an epidemic of organ failure. GeneCo, a massive corporation, offers organ replacements on a payment plan. Repo men are employed to reclaim organs from those who default on payments. The concept is compelling—until the dark, dystopian tale is transformed into an opera, and Paris Hilton is cast in a leading role.
The film originated from a 2002 musical by Darren Smith and Terrance Zdunich. Smith drew inspiration from a friend’s bankruptcy, imagining a future where body parts were treated as assets. The musical was a hit, resonating with gothic film enthusiasts much like The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This success led to the creation of a ten-minute trailer to pitch the concept to movie studios.
Much of the film’s promotion came from the cast and writers, who embarked on a road tour of the musical, rather than from Lionsgate, the studio backing the project. Despite their efforts, the plot fell flat, and the musical numbers were uninspired. Paris Hilton, however, earned a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actress, adding to her previous win for Worst Actress at the same event.
4. Raggedy Ann: The Musical Adventure
Before her sole musical venture, Raggedy Ann enjoyed a successful run. A series of popular books by Johnny Gruelle led to a 1977 animated film featuring the character and her companion Raggedy Andy. For reasons unknown, the musical adaptation took a surprisingly dark turn.
The story revolves around a terminally ill child from a fractured family. Her dolls come to life and guide her on a quest to meet the Doll Doctor, who might save her life. While the tale ends on a hopeful note with her reuniting with her father, it delves into heavy themes like genocide and sexuality, making it unsuitable for young audiences.
The musical lasted only three days before being canceled and fading into obscurity. However, bootleg recordings have preserved its legacy, and there have been unsuccessful attempts to revive the production.
3. Evil Dead: The Musical
As audiences seek entertainment post-pandemic, musical adaptations are booming. While many fall short, this one stands out. Inspired by the cult classic Evil Dead films, the story follows a group of teens who accidentally summon undead and demonic forces during a cabin getaway.
Its success lies in its sharp humor, reminiscent of the original movies. Packed with witty one-liners and catchy, humorous songs, the musical has been performed over 300 times globally. Be warned, though—attendees often leave splattered with fake blood and gore.
2. Starmites
Although Starmites wasn’t a massive commercial success, it boasts a longevity that many musicals envy. After a two-month Broadway run, it has even been adapted for children’s performances. Since its debut in 1980, it has been revived periodically for various productions.
The plot centers on Eleanor, a timid teenager obsessed with comic books, who escapes into a fantasy world where she becomes the hero. The musical unfolds within one of her dreams, featuring the Starmites, protectors of Inner Space, as they battle the Shak Graa. While it never achieved global fame, it serves as a solid example of a sci-fi musical that avoids becoming unintentionally comical.
1. The Toxic Avenger
For fans of the original Toxic Avenger film, a musical adaptation feels fitting. Born from the cult studio Troma, the story follows a meek janitor who falls into toxic waste, transforming into a crime-fighting hero who takes down a corrupt mayor and saves his town. Initially a box office failure, the movie gained a cult following, spawning three sequels, video games, and even a children’s cartoon.
The movie’s satirical tone translates well to the musical stage, earning positive reviews and several awards. It premiered at New Brunswick Theatre in New Jersey before touring the U.S. and performing in Australia, the UK, and at major international festivals.
