From the Stage to the Page: Tony Award-Winning Adaptations

Musical theater is a magical medium to tell stories. The actors can see the crowd's reactions. The audience can feel each musical number. Each member of the audience personally experiences the writer's vision, bringing the play to life.

However, the same thing that gives plays their unique touch within the sphere of media could be seen as a negative aspect. With the writer's vision alive on the stage, its hard to let your own imagination play around with the story. It eliminates any need to flex your own creativity. But what if we told you there was a way to experience both versions of the story?

(Book adaptations enter stage left.) Introducing the book adaptations! With a book adaptation you can experience the best of both worlds. Read the book before going to the play and let your own creativity shine.

Then, experience the play in person how the writer envisioned it. By the end of both, you can compare and contrast each version of the same story. But with so many plays, it's hard to know where to start. Don't worry, we have you covered with five Tony Award-Winning adaptations!

What are the Tony Awards?

The Tony Awards began in 1947 with the goal of honoring excellence in theater within the United States. Named after actress, director, and producer Antoinette Perry, the awards continue honoring Broadway to this day.

The Tony Awards annually honor all aspects of theater, including acting, costume design, and more. The winners of each category get a gold medallion depicting the masks of comedy and tragedy on the front. On the back, they engrave the winner's name, the award category, the production, and the year.

Five tony award winning adaptations

A Chorus Line: The Complete Book of the Musical

by James Kirkwood

"A Chorus Line is purely and simply magnificent, capturing the very soul of our musical theatre." - Martin Gottfried - "In case you missed A Chorus Line on Broadway, you can still catch it between the hard covers ... the first volume to contain the complete libretto and lyrics of the show." - Associated Press

A Chorus Line follows a group of dancers all desperately competing for a spot in an unnamed Broadway musical. Conceived, choreographed, and directed by Michael Bennett,with music by Marvin Hamlisch. A Chorus Line is one of the most renowned musicals in the history of theater.

Opening on October 19th 1975, the play would go on to win multiple categories in the Tony Awards ceremony of 1976. Winning categories include best original score, best musical, best book of a musical, and more. A Chorus Line has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the best musical experiences. Whether you choose to read or watch it, this play is sure to amaze.

Hadestown

by Anaïs Mitchell

This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories: one between young Orpheus and Eurydice and another between immortal Hades and Persephone. Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Inspired by folk and jazz, Mitchell's musical explores themes of industry, nature, doubt, faith, fear, and love.

Written by Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown opened on April 17th 2019 and continues to run to this day. In the Tony Awards ceremony of that year Hadestown took home multiple awards. These include the awards for best musical, best original score, best sound design of a musical, best orchestrations, best scenic design, best featured actor in a musical, and best lighting design. With amazing music, a fascinating plot, and multiple awards, Hadestown is a standout among musical theater.

Hairspray: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Hit Broadway Musical

by Mark O'Donnell

Based on the 1988 film created by John Waters, the Hairspray musical released on August 15th 2002. The story serves as a homage to John Waters' Baltimore youth.

Following the story of Chubby Tracy Turnblad as a local TV dance program transforms her into a teen celebrity. Now Tracy must use her newfound fame to make "The Corny Collins Show" a more racially inclusive show. At the same time, Tracy attempts to win the heart of the local heartthrob, Link Larkin.

Hairspray won multiple Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Musical, and more. Written by Mark O' Donnell, Hairspray's book adaptation won the 2003 Tony Award for the Best Book of a Musical. Then, in 2007 Hairspray got another film adaptation. This time staring notable actors such as John Travolta, Zac Efron, and Christopher Walken.

Many continue to love Hairspray and it's lasting legacy. With fun characters and exciting songs it's the perfect musical to read before you see.

Hamilton: The Revolution

by Lin-Manuel Miranda - Jeremy McCarter

by Lin-Manuel Miranda - Jeremy McCarter

Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical Hamilton is as revolutionary as its subject. Alexander Hamilton, the poor kid from the Caribbean who fought the British, defended the Constitution, and helped to found the United States. The play blends hip-hop, pop, R&B, and the best traditions of theater to create an inventive experience.

Hamilton: The Revolution gives readers a unique view of both revolutions. Written by the only two writers qualified to put this legendary play to the page. Miranda and Jeremy McCarter, a cultural critic and theater artist involved with the play from the beginning.

This adaptation traces its development from a performance at the White House to a Broadway production six years later. In addition, Miranda has written more than 200 funny, revealing footnotes added into the book.

This adaptation features photos by the renowned Frank Ockenfels and veteran Broadway photographer, Joan Marcus. It also includes exclusive looks at notebooks and emails; interviews with Questlove, and Stephen Sondheim, leading political commentators. Get insights from more than 50 people involved with the production; and multiple appearances by President Obama himself. Experience how a Broadway musical became a national phenomenon with Hamilton: The Revolution.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

by Stephen Sondheim

"Mr. Sondheim fearlessly explores psychic caverns where civilized people are not dying to go ... A naked Sweeney Todd stands revealed as a musical of naked rage, chewing up everyone in its path as it spits out blood and tears." - Frank Rich, The New York Times - "A work of such scope and such daring that it dwarfs every other Broadway musical that even attempts to invite comparison." - Rex Reed, New York Daily News

The musical tells the story of Sweeney Todd. A man with a mysterious past, who has returned to London after 15 years in exile. Joining forces with Mrs. Lovett, the deranged owner of a failing pie shop, Todd seeks vengeance against the man who ruined his life.

With exception of the 1989 revival, each version won multiple categories in the Tony Awards the year they played. One of these winners being the Best Book of a Musical. In 2007 the musical got a film adaptation starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman. People cannot get enough of Sweeney Todd.

The Curtain Call 

These musicals are sure to entertain you no matter how you choose to enjoy. Whether it's written on the page or danced on a stage. Each musical earned their Tony Awards.

Each form carries their own pros and cons. Deciding how you enjoy these musicals is completely up to you. So, while comparing the two versions of the play can be a fun experiment don't feel pressured to do anything you don't want to. Remember, these musicals and book adaptations are meant to entertain first and foremost.