Fantasy has always intrigued audiences, from the enchanting worlds of Harry Potter to the epic tales of The Lord of the Rings. This genre represents the height of storytelling, whisking us away to realms where the impossible becomes reality. Fantasy’s charm lies in its ability to blur the lines between reality and extraordinary, making magic come alive before our eyes.
Theatre has long been a medium for fantastical storytelling, with roots tracing back to the mythological narratives of Greek tragedies and the fairy-filled realms of Shakespeare’s plays. These early works laid the groundwork for fantasy’s evolution and its eventual prominence on Broadway.
The 20th century saw the emergence of fantasy in musical theatre with productions like Peter Pan, which introduced audiences to a world of pirates, fairies, and flying children, setting a precedent for the future of the fantasy genre on stage.
Groundbreaking productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, with its haunting melodies and mysterious themes, and Cats, featuring a world of anthropomorphic felines, pushed the boundaries of stagecraft. These shows combined epic storytelling with innovative stage techniques, and demonstrated the vast potential of magic and fantasy on Broadway while inspiring a new generation of productions.
[Aladdin by Evan Zimmerman © Disney]
Today, Broadway continues to enchant fantasy lovers with various magical shows. Disney’s Aladdin brings the beloved animated film to life on stage. The show follows Aladdin, a charming street urchin who discovers a magic lamp housing a powerful genie. With the genie’s help, he embarks on a daring adventure to win Princess Jasmine’s heart and thwart the evil sorcerer Jafar.
Aladdin attracts audiences with its magical elements, from the starlit magic carpet ride to Aladdin’s dazzling transformation into a prince. Stunning visual effects and intricate stagecraft bring these fantastical moments to life, making this musical a hit for audiences of all ages.
Hadestown offers a modern retelling of the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as the love story of King Hades and Persephone. Set against the backdrop of a dystopian steampunk world, the show delves deeply into themes of love, loss, and the indefatigable power of hope. The narrative unfolds into two contrasting realms: a barren, desolate aboveground world and an industrial, oppressive, below-ground factory town ruled by Hades.
Orpheus’s journey to reclaim his love, Eurydice, from the clutches of Hades is a poignant tale imbued with elements of magical realism. His quest is not merely a romantic endeavour but also a profound commentary on human resilience in the face of despair. The show’s use of magical realism heightens the emotional stakes, transforming Orpheus’s lyrical journey into a blend of the fantastical and the real.
The character of Eurydice is portrayed as a pragmatic yet vulnerable woman who is seduced by the seeming security of Hadestown, only to find herself trapped in its industrial grip. Her plight mirrors contemporary issues of economic struggle and disillusionment, adding layers of social commentary to the story.
The parallel relationship between Hades and Persephone is explored with depth and nuance, a complex love story filled with tension and longing that captures the cyclical nature of their existence – a perpetual dance between separation and reunion that affects the natural world.
Hadestown’s rich, blues-infused score and stage design further bring the audience into its unique world. The use of rotating sets and atmospheric lighting creates a dynamic, ever-changing environment that reflects the show’s themes of transformation and duality.
[Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; photo by Matthew Murphy]
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child continues the story of the boy wizard into adulthood. The play delves into the lives of Harry, his friends, and their children as they face new dangers and grapple with their past. It’s a powerful tale of friendship, parenthood, and the enduring battle between good and evil.
The show exemplifies the power of fantasy on stage, bringing the magic of Hogwarts to life with spell casting, duels, and time travel. Extraordinary stagecraft, including moving staircases and breathtaking flying scenes, make this production a pure fantasy spectacle.
[Little Shop of Horrors; © Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade]
Little Shop of Horrors combines pulp, comedy, and rock music in a cult classic off-Broadway spectacle. The story follows Seymour, a meek florist who discovers a peculiar plant that feeds on human blood. As the plant grows, so do Seymour’s fortunes, but at a terrible cost.
The show’s unique approach to fantasy features a carnivorous plant from outer space named Audrey II. Remarkable puppetry brings Audrey II to life, growing from a small plant to a monstrous entity that takes over the stage. This darkly humorous tale about greed and ambition leaves a lasting impression on audiences.
[Little Shop of Horrors; © Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade]
Fantasy and magic have left a lasting mark on Broadway, transforming the stage into other realms. These elements not only entertain but also allow for the exploration of profound themes and character arcs. With advancing technology, the future holds even more groundbreaking theatrical experiences, promising new and reimagined tales that will continue to draw audiences for years to come.
Visit The Broadway Collection online to view all shows and to purchase tickets.
This post produced in partnership with The Broadway Collection. Aladdin top image by Deen van Meer © Disney.
